Parks & Trails New York

FINGER LAKES TRAILS & GREENWAY
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Presented by Parks & Trails New York and the
Finger Lakes Land Trust with support from the Park Foundation

NOTE: Prices go up after September 12, 2011

1.) FULL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION - Field Workshops NOT included (see #4)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 5:30-7:30PM - Networking reception. Explore the new award winning Nevin Welcome Center at Cornell Plantations while joining in lively conversations with friends old and new.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 - Experience a dynamic mix of keynotes, workshops, and panel discussions at Robert Purcell Community Center on Cornell University’s North campus featuring timely issues, implementation tools and strategies, and interesting case studies designed to develop the skills to build, maintain, and advocate for trails that support healthy active living, tourism, economic development, sustainability, and alternative transportation. Includes continental breakfast, lunch, and morning and afternoon breaks. PROGRAM

2.) STUDENT RATE - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 ONLY

3.) NETWORKING RECEPTION - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 ONLY

4.) FIELD WORKSHOPS - NOT included in full conference rate

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 - An opportunity to get out in the field and see first-hand what others are doing to design terrific trails, raise funds, overcome challenges, and motivate volunteers.

Catharine Valley Trail, Montour Falls, 1-5PM, $20
Walk along a 1.5-mile section of this 9-mile stone dust trail in the area of Montour Falls and learn how this former rail and canal corridor, owned by the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), is being developed and managed as a multi-use trail by OPRHP in partnership with the non-profit Friends of the Catharine Valley Trail. The Friends will offer tips on trail programming based on their experiences with history and birding walks, senior wellness programs, and a newly launched OnCell initiative that allows trail users to access interpretive information and trail directions on their MP3 player or cell phone. Includes bus transport from Ithaca. Meet at the parking lot for Ithaca Children's Garden on Route 89, Taughannock Blvd., at the southern end of Cass Park.

Cascadilla Gorge Trail, Ithaca, 2-5PM, $8
See why people say that Ithaca is Gorges. The lower section of Cascadilla Gorge is truly a "gorges" display of rock, water and trees. Cascadilla Creek drops 400 feet from Cornell’s campus to downtown Ithaca, carving through 400 million year old bedrock. Cornell Plantations Natural Areas Director Todd Bittner will discuss the major renovation of the Cascadilla Gorge Trail, and cover topics related to maintaining trails in urban and riparian settings. Meet at Cornell Plantations Nevin Welcome Center parking lot.

Lick Brook Gorge, Ithaca, 2-5PM, $8
Join Land Trust executive director Andy Zepp for a tour of Lick Brook Gorge and a popular segment of the Finger Lakes Trail. Located just outside of Ithaca, Lick Brook features several waterfalls, nesting ravens, and mature forests of hemlock and hardwoods. Andy will provide an overview of the site’s ecological features, its history of conservation, and both the current and future management challenges associated with public access to the site. This trip will involve hiking up steep trails so participants should be in good physical condition. Meet at the trailhead. Directions to the trailhead.

Cayuga Waterfront Trail, Ithaca, 2-5PM, $8
Walk a 2-mile loop of the first phase of the 6-mile Cayuga Waterfront Trail with trail designer and coordinator Rick Manning, ASLA. The focus of the presentation will be on the development of trail amenities, including the trailhead, overlooks and special gardens, interpretive signage, brochures and furnishings. Site history and the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce partnership will also be discussed. Rick will also provide an overview of the Ithaca Children's Garden, for which he prepared a master plan and designs for the Growing Gardens and Gaia the Turtle Sculpture. Meet at the trailhead at Cass Park Rink and Pool parking area. Directions to the trailhead.

5.) PARKING

Friday, September 23, Nevin Welcome Center Reception. Limited parking is available at the Welcome Center (free after 5:30pm). Parking is also available at the Beebee Hall Lot and Peterson Lot at the corner of Tower and Judd Falls Road. See parking map.

Saturday, September 24, free parking is available in Lot A, north of the Purcell Community Center on Cornell’s North Campus.

Parking is also available in the CC lot at the cost of $6/day. Those paying for parking in the CC lot must obtain their tickets at the Purcell Center registration table on the day of the conference.

Directions to the Purcell Community Center

Accommodations - A block of rooms has been reserved at the Holiday Inn, 222 South Cayuga Street, Ithaca, at the special conference rate of $114/night plus tax. Rooms must be reserved before September 7, 2011 to receive the special conference rate. To reserve a room, call 607-272-1000. Holiday Inn provides free transport to the Cornell campus.

Specific Needs - Parks & Trails New York is committed to providing equal access for attendees and their guests. All conference meeting rooms are fully accessible. If you have any specific needs, please let us know in writing by September 12, 2011.

On-site registration will be accepted only on a space available basis. CALL 518-434-1583 before 4:00 p.m. on September 22, 2011 to confirm space.

Questions? Contact Frances Gotcsik or call 518 434-1583 x 206.

Cancellation Policy - Registration cancellations must be made in writing and postmarked by September 12, 2011 to avoid a $20 cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellation requests postmarked after September 12, 2011.

29 Elk Street * Albany, NY 12207 * (ph) 518-434-1583 * (fax) 518-427-0067 * ptny@ptny.org