Connecting the dots: Two new local trails

New York State’s recent acquisition of 200 acres adjoining Moreau State Park was highlighted last week in both the Saratogian and the Times Union as an important link in an eventual long-distance Palmertown Ridge Trail that would link Moreau State Park and Saratoga Springs. That trail could ultimately connect to the Zim Smith, creating an “alternative Northway” spanning Saratoga County north to south. Very cool. Here’s a look at two more recently opened trails that enhance another long-distance trail network just outside of Saratoga Springs.

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, Frawley Trail. Last summer and fall, volunteer trail crews marked and cleared more than a mile of trail connecting WWPP’s Fox parcel trailhead on Route 50 (see accompanying map or click here) to Ruggles Road. The new trail traverses land (the Frawley parcel) that was added to WWPP in 2011 and represents a key linkage that could ultimately be made between WWPP’s core parcels (Fox, Old Gick Farm, Camp Saratoga and Opdahl Farm) and additional protected parcels south of King Road (the Neilmann and Kalabus-Perry parcels and other adjoining protected lands).

National Trails Day events: June 2

This Saturday, June 2, is the 20th annual National Trails Day. A number of local organizations have scheduled volunteer trail work projects and events to introduce people to natural places. Following is a partial list:

Wilton Wildlife Park & Preserve, Scout Road, 10am – 3pm. WWPP’s Lupine Festival will be held at their Camp Saratoga parcel and is expected to coincide with the peak of the wild blue lupine bloom and the first brood of Karner blue butterflies for 2012. Events include nature walks led by DEC and Nature Conservancy personnel and presentations with live local reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey. Children’s activities include nature craft projects and pond exploration with dipping nets. The recently restored Cornell Hill fire tower will be open. Check their website for directions and a complete list of activities.

Wild blue lupine

Two Local Gems

For a good part of October, weekend weather and family commitments weren’t lining up to allow full-day excursions into the Adirondacks. Fortunately, there are many close-to-home options for a short outing when schedules and conditions allow. The Burl Trail and Bog Meadow Brook are two such local gems that we visited on spur-of-the-moment excursions with our two kids this month.