Donate to the Trail Conference

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Support Trails

$40

Produce 27 waterproof tear-resistance maps

$100

One day trip to visit State Legislature

$500

Train and support for volunteers for three days

We're out there when trails need us. Your gift now supports the work.

Trails and the land they traverse require care, responsible use and vigorous support by the people who enjoy them. The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, a 501c(3) not for profit organization, leads this effort in our region.

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Detection Dog Fund – Invasive Species Pilot Program

Dia, our conservation detection dog, is being trained to sniff out invasive species, which cause billions of dollars of damage to our forests and economy annually. Our program using conservation dogs is the first of its kind in the Northeast and allows us to catch invaders in the critical early stage of infestation when eradication is the most cost effective.

To continue her training and fully run our program in 2019, a minimum of $43,000 is needed; we are nearly 70% of the way there! Be a part of the leading efforts in combating invasives in the region and donate today.

Help us establish this unique program, which will be essential in our fight against invasive species throughout the region --- donate today!

Detection Dog Fund – Invasive Species Pilot Program

Long-Distance Trails Memorial Fund

The Long-Distance Trails Memorial Fund was formed by the Trail Conference and our generous supporter and longtime volunteer Malcolm Spector to honor the memory of Jakob Franke, whose contributions to the Long Path and Shawangunk Ridge Trail were immeasurable.

Long-Distance Trails Memorial Fund

Catskills Summit Steward Fund

Thanks to generous matching grants from the Hunter Foundation, Catskill 3500 Club and the Catskill Mountain Club, donations matched 1:1 (until the fund reaches $17,000) will support our growing Summit Steward program in the Catskills. After two successful seasons aiding and educating hikers, we are looking to expand the program to other locations to help even more people have a fun, safe, and responsible time on the trails.

Catskills Summit Steward Fund

Trail University of New Jersey Fund

Your gift to Trail University will improve the quality of trails by advancing the skills and productivity of our volunteers, staff and partners. Trail U, which won the NJ Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence, provides on-the-job training in all aspects of trail building and maintenance. Thanks to an anonymous donation, we are 1/3 of the way to our goal of $6,600. Please help us fully fund this important program with your gift today.

Trail University of New Jersey Fund

Multi-Use Trail Projects

Your donation will help fund the construction of sustainable multi-use trails in eastern Sterling Forest (Tuxedo, N.Y.) and nearby parks. The Sterling Forest trail network has already received critical acclaim as the region’s finest trail system for mountain biking, trail running and walking. Equestrian use is also planned for specific trails in this area.

Multi-Use Trail Projects

Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails Improvement Project

Thanks to a generous 1:1 match from Michael Bruno, the Tuxedo Hudson Company, and an anonymous foundation, your donation will fund the planned re-construction of some of Harriman’s most historic and trails, which are eroding as a result of their age and popularity. Among the trails targeted for sustainable reconstruction are the Appalachian Trail and the Trail Conference’s first trail, the Ramapo-Dunderberg, which dates back to 1920.

Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails Improvement Project

Trail Angel Society

The purpose of our Trail Angel Society is to provide reliable income over the long term, through planned gifts such as bequests or other estate provisions that benefit the Trail Conference. The Society is open to anyone who confirms that the Trail Conference will benefit from their estate plan.

Learn More About the Trail Angel Society

Become a Member

25% OFF

Trail Conference books and maps

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+ More Benefits

Free Quarterly Newsletter
Discounts on gear at Participating Retailers
Free Workshops and Seminars
Access to Trail Library with over 1000 books
Donation Tax Receipt

Make a Difference

COUNTERACTING THE LOSS OF RESOURCES

Huge gaps in park funding exist for backcountry amenities such as trails and bridges. The Trail Conference plays a greater role than ever in filling those gaps through our volunteers, volunteer training and support, and outright capital expenditure. With support from caring people like you, we keep a growing network of over 2,100 miles of trails safe, open, and free for you to enjoy.

THE KEY INGREDIENTS OF "TRAIL MAGIC"

Volunteers have powered the Trail Conference for almost 100 years. The key ingredients of this "trail magic" are hard-working volunteers, state-of-the-art training and support from the Trail Conference, and financial support from people like you. As long as all three ingredients are present, our time-tested model keeps trail magic alive—efficiently, effectively, and sustainably.

THE IMPORTANCE OF "YOU"

It's up to outdoors-loving people who value the importance of connecting with nature to make sure our trails survive and thrive in the years ahead. Help us keep trails alive and growing by joining or donating to the Trail Conference. Your gift leverages the power of more than 1,800 volunteers and over 100,000 hours of donated labor, year after year. Let's make trails happen together!

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