Adopt-A-Trail

The Canalway Trail needs regular maintenance throughout the season to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for the public. Presently, about 25 groups and individuals are participating in the Canalway Trail Adopt-a-Trail program by adopting sections of trail within their communities across the state.

Trail adopters tackle many types of maintenance tasks such as picking up litter, mowing, trimming brush, removing fallen branches, raking, or landscaping. Adopters can also help influence decision-making by assisting with data collection efforts, or assist trail users by sharing recommendations about local attractions and points of interest.

Trail adopters are able to work on their own schedule, but must engage in adopter activities at least 4 hours a month between April and November once a month.

1. Read through the Adopt-A-Trail Manual.
2. Identify a segment of trail available for adoption (see map below).
3. Fill out an online application that will need to be approved by PTNY and the New York State Canal Corporation (a representative will reach out to let you know the application has been approved).
4. Once the application has been approved, acquire a volunteer registration form from every person that will perform activities as part of the AAT group.
5. Update the volunteer roster on an annual basis listing contact information for active volunteers

Adopters will be required to meet four minimum requirements:

❖ Visit adopted section(s) at least once a month between April 1 and November 30.

❖ Spend 4 hours per month performing light maintenance or other adopter activities on your section of trail.

❖ Host a Canal Clean Sweep event.

❖ Complete two field reports from April-November.

The interactive Adopt-a-Trail map below shows where trail is presently adopted (in green) and what sections are available for adoption (in orange). This program is funded through the Canal Corporation; therefore, only lands owned and managed by the Canal Corporation are eligible for adoption.