A Decade of Support
“I thought I’d rather support something local, in New York State. The reason is, I really do enjoy the trails. For decades, I’ve ridden parts of the Erie Canalway Trail… Likewise the parks, Letchworth State Park is my favorite by far. So I decided I really ought to support them, and so that’s why I’ve been a member.”
--Michael Herzog, Parks & Trails New York Member since 2001
It’s that time of year again.The buds are starting to peek out on tree branches, the squirrels are running around with a sense of purpose, and Parks & Trails New York is starting its annual membership drive.
This isn’t about asking you to join as a new member—trust us, we will. This is more of an appreciation, a spotlight on the community of members who help Parks & Trails New York do all of the amazing work you’ve come to expect from us over the past 35 years. This is also a thank you to all of you who have been with us over the long haul, who have just joined, or who are planning to join us soon! Here’s a brief look at a member of the community you’ll be joining.
Michael Herzog lives outside the small town of Naples in New York’s Finger Lakes Region.As a former cyclist turned hiker—and life-long park lover—Michael has been a member of Parks & Trails New York for almost two decades. His reason? “I’m just very glad that you’re there.That we have an organization to support the parks and trails in the state.”
Most days Michael can be found out with his dog, Daisy, on the Finger Lakes Trail, in the High Tor Wildlife Management Area, or at his favorite state park, Letchworth. As a resident of a small town in a rural area, Michael doesn’t only appreciate local parks and trails for the calm and access to nature they provide, he sees their economic benefit first-hand.
"I think it’s a great boon for the tourist industry. Where I live now is pretty much out in the boonies, in the hills outside Naples. In our town we have the High Tor Wildlife Management Area, a large state property which is a great place to hike. Having these nearby wild and scenic areas is great for the local tourist industry, which is about the only industry we have around here. It’s just nice to have these green, open, wild places around," says Michael.
A life-long resident of New York, Michael grew up hiking in the mountains and fields with his father, who was a long-time avid outdoorsman. “My father got going (with hiking) back in the ‘20s and ‘30s. I support Parks & Trails New York because I got a tremendous amount of value growing up hiking and enjoying it. I wanted to pay back a bit.”
Thank you to Michael and all the other supporters who help Parks & Trails New York advocate for the green, public spaces we visit and love!
If you’d like to share your story about why you love and support Parks & Trails New York, don’t hesitate to contact our Director of Development, Linden Horvath, at 518-434-1583 or lhorvath@ptny.org.
She would love to hear from you!