The Canalway Trail needs regular maintenance throughout the season to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for the public. Presently, more than 50 groups and individuals are participating in the Canalway Trail Adopt-a-Trail (AAT) program by “adopting” sections of trail within their communities along the 524-mile NYS Canalway Trail.
Adopt-a-Trail groups tackle many types of maintenance tasks such as picking up litter, mowing, trimming brush, removing fallen branches, raking and patching the trail surface, maintaining signs, painting, and landscaping. Group coordinators receive an identifying t-shirt. Trail adopters are able to work on their own schedule but it is recommended that between April and November they engage in maintenance activities once a month.
All Adopt-a-Trail groups must complete a two-year maintenance agreement form with Parks & Trails New York and the New York State Canal Corporation. These forms and more information, including a map of trail segments available for adoption, can be found at the Adopt-at-Trail page on Parks & Trails New York’s website or by emailing aat@ptny.org.