Champlain Area Trails Awarded $75,000 Grant for Twin Valleys Conservation and Trail Development
State funding will support conservation and improvements to public access and wayfinding at the Twin Valleys property in Lewis, New York
LEWIS, N.Y. — October 27, 2026 — Champlain Area Trails (CATS) has been awarded a $75,000 grant through New York State’s Conservation Partnership Program (CPP) to support conservation and the development of Twin Valleys as a nature preserve and public trail system.
The award recognizes the importance of protecting the property’s natural resources while improving opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the landscape. Grant funding supports efforts to advance Twin Valleys as a publicly accessible preserve, including improvements to public access and wayfinding to help visitors navigate and enjoy the property.
CATS acquired Twin Valleys in 2025 and is working to realize its potential as a resource for outdoor recreation, environmental education, and community engagement. The property offers an opportunity to connect people with nature while contributing to the region’s outdoor recreation economy.
“Twin Valleys gives us an exciting opportunity to protect a special place while making its beauty more accessible to the public,” said Arin Burdo, Executive Director of Champlain Area Trails. “This grant helps us take important steps toward developing the property as a nature preserve and trail system that serves our communities and welcomes visitors to the Champlain Valley.”
Peter Gernsheimer, CATS Land Conservation Manager, emphasized the importance of pairing conservation with thoughtful planning for public access.
“Conserving a property is only part of the work. We also want people to be able to find their way, explore responsibly, and appreciate the natural features that make Twin Valleys special,” said Gernsheimer. “Improving access and signage will help us create a more welcoming experience for visitors while protecting the land and its ecological values.”
The Conservation Partnership Program supports land trusts across New York State in protecting natural resources, advancing land conservation, and expanding the benefits of open space for communities. Administered by the Land Trust Alliance in coordination with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the program is supported by the state’s Environmental Protection Fund.
For CATS, the award represents an important step toward realizing Twin Valleys’ long-term potential as a nature preserve and trail destination. Through careful stewardship and improvements to the visitor experience, CATS aims to make the property a lasting community resource that connects people with nature and strengthens the Champlain Valley’s outdoor recreation opportunities.
About Champlain Area Trails
Champlain Area Trails (CATS) is a nonprofit land trust and trail organization working in New York’s Champlain Valley. CATS protects land and creates and maintains trails that link communities, connect people with nature, and promote economic vitality. Through conservation partnerships, public trails, and outdoor programs, CATS works to ensure that the region’s natural and cultural resources remain accessible and protected for generations to come.
Learn more at www.champlainareatrails.com.
Posted: October 27th, 2026 under Northern NY News, Recreation opportunities, State Government News.