Friends of Chautauqua County Greenways

Various groups to present updates on outdoor recreational trail projectsPeople of all ages enjoy utilizing the 250+ miles of recreational trails available in Chautauqua County. On Oct. 1, the Friends of the Chautauqua County Greenways will hold a public meeting to provide details on various projects and initiatives involving the various public trails the county has to offer.  CHERRY CREEK, NY -- In cooperation with the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG), the Friends of the Chautauqua County Greenways (FCCG) will hold a public informational meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the Barn at Farrington Hollow (7495 Farrington Hollow Road, Cherry Creek). This meeting will provide the public with updates on various trail and waterway development and maintenance projects, along with conservation efforts throughout Chautauqua County. A recap of various activities during the summer, including the first ever CHQ Trails Day held on June 21, will also be discussed. “There are so many incredible recreation projects that are happening right now in Chautauqua County,” noted Jacob Bodway, Trail Coordinator for CCPEG. “Each trail user group has exciting updates, and this event will give everyone an opportunity to see the impact that our efforts are making throughout the county. We encourage people to come to the Barn at Farrington Hollow and ask questions about any of our recent and future projects!” Groups to present during the meeting include Boutwell Hill Ski Club, Chautauqua County Parks Commission and Parks Department, Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail System, CCPEG, Chautauqua Rails to Trails, Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, the Town of Mina, and Western New York Mountain Bicycling Association. "All summer long, FCCG member groups have been hard at work—improving trails, clearing hazards from our waterways, and planning future projects that will make the county’s outdoor spaces even better. It’s inspiring to see just how much is happening to make our region a beautiful, exciting destination for outdoor enthusiasts, both residents and visitors alike. You’ll get the first look at these efforts at this meeting!" says Twan Leenders, Director of Conservation at the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy and co-chair of FCCG. Anyone interested in learning more about the various outdoor recreational trails in Chautauqua County is invited to attend. More details about FCCG can be found on the FCCG Page at ChooseCHQ.com. The public is also invited to follow FCCG-related activities on the FCCG Facebook group page. The Friends of the Chautauqua County Greenways’ public meeting on Oct. 1 will provide an update on a variety of trail projects, including the recent opening of the Homestead Loop trail in Boutwell Hill State Forest, which was celebrated during CHQ Trails Day on June 21. (Submitted Photo) About FCCG – The Friends of Chautauqua County Greenways is housed under CCPEG and is an organization whose aim is to collaborate and build on private/public partnerships to position themselves to raise the necessary capital and programmatic resources to realize the primary objectives outlined in the 2012 Greenway Plan. Member groups include the Boutwell Hill Ski Club, the Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail System, CCPEG, Chautauqua County Rails to Trails, City of Jamestown, the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, the Heron Farm & Events Center, and the Western New York Mountain Bicycling Association. About CCPEG - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources in Chautauqua County. As an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC), CCPEG acts as the catalyst for advancing economic prosperity, focusing on job creation, retention, and quality of life enhancements. For more information, visit CHQPartnership.org.

Inaugural event will help promote County’s publicly accessible recreational trails   CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, NY - In cooperation with the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG), the Friends of Chautauqua County Greenways (FCCG) group is excited to host the inaugural CHQ Trails Day, taking place this year on Saturday, June 21 at various locations throughout the County. This countywide event will capture the spirit of collaboration and connectivity that has come to define the FCCG over the past three years. The day is chock full of outdoor events for trail users of all types and of all abilities, with each event organized by the various members who are part of the FCCG. It will feature group hikes, horse rides, guided canoe/kayak trips, bird walks, group mountain bike rides, and much more. “This event will showcase the county’s amazing trail networks and will give outdoor enthusiasts a chance to make new connections with individual trail groups and with others who are passionate about the outdoors,” says Jacob Bodway, Trail Coordinator for CCPEG. Bodway adds that the CHQ Trails Day is the brainchild of John McCune and Twan Leenders, co-chairs of the FCCG Advisory Board. McCune represents Chautauqua County Rails to Trails, while Leenders represents the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy. Together, along with all other advisory board members and other stakeholders, the two have worked for several months to organize and plan this special day for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, whether they be residents or visitors. Participating trail groups and organizations include: the Boutwell Hill Ski Club, the Chautauqua County Parks Commission and Parks Department, the Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail System (CCETS), the Chautauqua Rails to Trails, the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, the Heron Farm & Events Center, and the Western New York Mountain Bicycling Association (WNYMBA). Event locations include: Boutwell Hill State Forest (Cherry Creek), Cassadaga Lakes Nature Park (Cassadaga), Dobbins Woods Preserve (Ashville), Erlandson Overview Park (Frewsburg), the Chautauqua Gorge Loop Trail (Mayville), Heron Farm and Events Center (Sherman), the Kyle’s Landing Preserve (Sinclairville), Loud Performance (Bemus Point), Luensman Overview Park (Portland), and Prospect Hill Station Trailhead (Mayville). “It’s going to be a day unlike any other for celebrating our county’s beautiful natural resources, and it is a tradition that we hope will continue for years to come!” Bodway said. For a specific event details and times, visit: ChooseCHQ.com/CHQTrailsDay or see the event listing on CCPEG’s Facebook page. About FCCG – The Friends of Chautauqua County Greenways is housed under CCPEG and is an organization whose aim is to collaborate and build on private/public partnerships to position themselves to raise the necessary capital and programmatic resources to realize the primary objectives outlined in the 2012 Greenway Plan. About CCPEG - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources to advance key projects that achieve economic prosperity in Chautauqua County. It also serves as the catalyst and broker of resources for advancing economic prosperity efforts and is the central coordinating entity for the formation, retention, development, and attraction of quality jobs and advancements to the quality of life. It is an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). For more information visit CHQPartnership.org.

Public encouraged to attend, learn about projects that will enhance the County’s outdoor trailsJAMESTOWN, NY - In cooperation with the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG), the Friends of Chautauqua County Greenways (FCCG) will hold its first public informational meeting of 2025 on Wednesday, June 11 at 5 p.m. at the Robert H. Jackson Center, located at 305 E. Fourth Street in Jamestown. This meeting will provide the public with updates on trail and waterway development and maintenance projects, along with conservation efforts throughout Chautauqua County. Some of these projects include updates to the Eastside Overland Trail in Boutwell Hill State Forest, maintenance on the Marden E. Cobb Waterway Trails, and the grand opening of the “Homestead Loop” in Boutwell Hill State Forest, among many others. The group will also highlight the upcoming CHQ Trails Day, taking place at various locations across the County on Saturday, June 21. “The Friends Group has been working hard on trail projects throughout the county,” says Jacob Bodway, Trail Coordinator for CCPEG. “The June meeting will allow time for the various trail-user groups to present on current and upcoming trail projects, grant requests, and long-range goals. It’s incredible how much we have accomplished by working together and by celebrating our incredible natural assets, right here in Chautauqua County!” The Friends Group is comprised of several organizations and municipalities from across Chautauqua County, with a goal of enhancing and improving outdoor recreation trails in the County, through a spirt of cooperation and collaboration. Members include Boutwell Hill Ski Club, CCPEG, Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail System, Chautauqua County Parks & Trails, Chautauqua Rails to Trails, Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, the City of Jamestown, and WNY Mountain Bicycling Association. For more information about FCCG, visit ChooseCHQ.com. About FCCG – The Friends of Chautauqua County Greenways is housed under CCPEG and is an organization whose aim is to collaborate and build on private/public partnerships to position themselves to raise the necessary capital and programmatic resources to realize the primary objectives outlined in the 2012 Greenway Plan. More information about FCCG can be found under the “Agencies” section of ChooseCHQ.com. About CCPEG - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources to advance key projects that achieve economic prosperity in Chautauqua County. It also serves as the catalyst and broker of resources for advancing economic prosperity efforts and is the central coordinating entity for the formation, retention, development, and attraction of quality jobs and advancements to the quality of life. It is an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). For more information visit CHQPartnership.org.  

Mobile Application Also Provides Several Maps for ‘Real Time’ UseCHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, NY: -- There’s a new resource available for people who want to hike, ride, or even paddle hundreds of miles of trails in Chautauqua County. The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG), in collaboration with Chautauqua County Government and the Friends of Chautauqua County Greenways (FCCG) group, is pleased to announce the release of the new Chautauqua County Interactive Trails Map and accompanying mobile application. The new interactive map, along with links to individual maps and also a mobile application, can all be found at CHQTrails.org. According to Jacob Bodway, CCPEG Trail Coordinator, the need for an interactive trail map covering all of Chautauqua County is the result of an increased interest in the various trails found across the area, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. “As we witnessed more trail users exploring our trails, many for the first time, we also heard a renewed interest in a trail map that would provide information for trail users of varied experience and ability,” Bodway said. “I think that the new countywide trail map does that and more.” This interactive online map allows trail users to explore the hundreds of miles of trails throughout the county. They can select and view trails that fall into specific activities, like hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross country skiing, and kayaking. Users will also be able to select trails based on land-owner, like those found in state forested land, or those associated with a specific organization or community. It also features images of trail heads and provides information on trail surfaces, trail length, and parking. “It’s the perfect ‘one-stop-shop’ for trail users who want to spend a weekend or longer exploring the trails in the county,” Bodway explained. “The map really is a game changer and will give users all of the information that they need to make an itinerary for their next outdoor adventure in Chautauqua County.” The mobile application can be downloaded from Avenza, the top-rated app used for hiking and biking, even in the most remote areas of the world. Using GPS technology, Avenza is useful for when trail users are on the trail and want to see their location in real time, regardless of cell reception. Several trail maps have been added to Avenza – including Boutwell Hill, Harris Hill, and North Harmony State Forests; Long Point State Park; Audubon Community Nature Center; and Cassadaga Lakes – along with others. These county maps will also be available on other third-party apps, such as Trailforks, All Trails, and MTB Project. PDF versions of individual trail maps can also be viewed, downloaded and also printed from the website for trail users who may not have the ability to use the mobile app. Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development CEO, and CCPEG Advisory Board Co-Chair, emphasized that the maps and mobile application all align to the County’s efforts to make Chautauqua County known as a mecca for outdoor recreation and active living.  “We have such incredible outdoor recreation assets, including more than 600 miles of recreational trails which we are actively working to improve,” said Geise. “These maps not only help our county market itself as a tourism destination for outdoor enthusiasts, but help our own residents discover all we have to offer.”  Funding for the trail project comes from generous support provided by The Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation, the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, and the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation. CCPEG selected Barton & Loguidice and Adirondack Research to oversee the project, following an RFP process that saw 15 proposals come forward. After a year of collaboration, the interactive trail map and mobile application were unveiled at the most recent FCCG public meeting, held at the SUNY Fredonia College Lodge on June 12, 2024. “The countywide trails map is the culmination of what happens when trail user groups work together to achieve a common goal,” noted Bodway. “I couldn’t be more proud of the teamwork and cooperation that went into creating the countywide trail map, and I’m excited to see where we go from here.”  Plans are underway to provide a limited number of print copies of individual trail maps, and to also to remind trail users about the existence of the interactive map and mobile app with signage along the trails, in addition to other marketing efforts across the region. Meanwhile, the interactive map and additional details on where to find and install the mobile map application from Avenza can be found online at CHQTrails.org. About CCPEG - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources to advance key projects that achieve economic prosperity in Chautauqua County. It also serves as the catalyst and broker of resources for advancing economic prosperity efforts and is the central coordinating entity for the formation, retention, development, and attraction of quality jobs and advancements to the quality of life. It is an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). For more information visit CHQPartnership.org. About FCCG - Friends of the Chautauqua County Greenways (FCCG) is an organization housed under the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth and whose aim is to collaborate and build on existing private/public partnerships to realize the primary objectives outlined in Chautauqua County’s 2012 Greenway Plan and updated in the 2022 Chautauqua County Greenways Group Action Plan. FCCG's mission is to create a new enthusiasm for active living and healthy lifestyles for all people and of all backgrounds; promote accessible, safe, and sustainable recreation opportunities; sustainably conserve the ecological health, water quality, and scenic beauty of our region; improve our quality of life within Chautauqua County; act as a catalyst for economic development related to outdoor living, trail development, and trail maintenance in NYSDEC state forests, Chautauqua County parks, and waterways; and establish Chautauqua County as a destination center for outdoor adventure.

Greenways Group to also provide updates on various trail projects in Chautauqua CountyThe Friends of Chautauqua County Greenways Group will host a public meeting on June 12. In addition to unveiling the brand new county trails map project, members will also provide updates on various trail projects within the county – including the two overland trails maintained by Chautauqua County. BROCTON, NY: -- In cooperation with the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG), the Friends of Chautauqua County Greenways (FCCG) will hold its third public informational meeting at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12 at the SUNY Fredonia College Lodge, located at 8067 Route 380 in Brocton. This meeting will provide the public with a preview of the new Chautauqua County Recreation Trails Map. This map will be the new “one-stop-shop” for anyone who wants to learn about the location, tread surface, difficulty, and permitted use pertaining to the miles of trails within the county. “This map is the culmination of a yearlong process of collecting data, images, and information that will educate all trail users about the incredible trails that we have throughout Chautauqua County,” said Jacob Bodway, Trail Coordinator for CCPEG. “In addition to unveiling the new countywide map, each trail group will provide updates on recent grant awards, new projects, and upcoming events. By working as a single unit, we have made tremendous strides in giving pride of place to the amazing recreation opportunities in the county. There has never been a better time to be a recreation enthusiast in Chautauqua County than right now!” The College Lodge also offers beautiful hiking trails. There will be a short guided hike held at 4 p.m. for anyone who would like to arrive early and explore the forest. Refreshments will be provided at the meeting, which is open to the public. No reservations are required. About FCCG – The Friends of Chautauqua County Greenways is housed under CCPEG and is an organization whose aim is to collaborate and build on private/public partnerships to position themselves to raise the necessary capital and programmatic resources to realize the primary objectives outlined in the 2012 Greenway Plan. More information about FCCG can be found under the “Agencies” section of ChooseCHQ.com. About CCPEG - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources to advance key projects that achieve economic prosperity in Chautauqua County. It also serves as the catalyst and broker of resources for advancing economic prosperity efforts and is the central coordinating entity for the formation, retention, development, and attraction of quality jobs and advancements to the quality of life. It is an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). For more information visit CHQPartnership.org.