Success: Hikers Stepped up for the Catskills

Go-getters who participated in the “Hike for the Catskills” summer challenge combined outdoor recreation in the wondrous Catskill Park with raising funds for the Catskill Center to continue its important work of protecting the Catskills.

To encourage and educate the public, Catskill Center staff led a number of hikes geared toward different interests — from family hikes to sunset hikes to hiking with dogs. Leaders focused on varying degrees of difficulty in planning the variety of hikes.

“We are so grateful for the outpouring of support and participation that we had for ‘Hike for the Catskills.’ With the help of more than 40 people hiking to protect and preserve the Catskills, we were able to raise nearly $10,000. From the exciting kickoff party to the guided hikes throughout the months, it was a pleasure getting to know more folks who care so much about the Catskills region,” said Danielle Tucker, Annual Giving Manager at the Catskill Center. “This was the first year hosting ‘Hike for the Catskills’ as a peer-to-peer fundraiser, but it certainly won't be the last. We look forward to next year's month-long event and hope that even more people will decide to join the fun!”

Thanks to the eleven participants who raised $250 or more.

As Catskill Center Executive Director Jeff Senterman said at the launch of the event, “‘Hike for the Catskills’ is the perfect way to blend together outdoor recreation, exploration of our amazing forever wild Catskill Park, and raise funds for the Catskill Center to do the important work of protecting our beautiful Catskills.”

"Hike for the Catskills" provides an opportunity to explore natural beauty and help the Catskill Center protect critical Catskills habitats, keep our land and waters wild, and advocate for our communities and the Catskill Park.

For the four-week challenge, hikers registered, set a campaign goal, fundraised for the Catskill Center via friends, family and others, and hit the trails. Catskill Center staff provided suggested hikes, including ones for all abilities, such as accessible paths at our Catskills Visitor Center.

West Kill Brewing hosted a launch party, with the second release of “Mountain Life” Pale Ale, a collaboration between West Kill Brewing and Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS). A portion of ale sales benefitted the Catskill Center, and EMS raffled outdoor gear, also donating proceeds to the Catskill Center.

Since 1969, the Catskill Center has led the effort to protect the more than 700,000 acres of the Catskill Park and Catskill Forest Preserve. Our mission is to protect and foster the environmental, cultural, and economic well-being of the Catskill region.