Chautauqua Rails to Trails is the subject at Audubon Community Nature Center’s First Friday, March 1. Author Wendy Lewellen will present, sell and sign her new book Good Soles: Chautauqua Rails to Trails Namesakes and Trailblazers. All book sales raise funds for Rails to Trails.

Area residents can learn more about the folks behind the local Rails to Trails effort and about the organization itself at Audubon Community Nature Center’s First Friday, March 1, from 11 a.m to -noon.

Guest presenter Wendy Lewellen will talk about her new book, Good Soles: Chautauqua Rails to Trails Namesakes and Trailblazers.

Lewellen’s book profiles the people for whom the local trail segments are named. It also highlights the accomplishments of the early trailblazers in the 1990s who worked to establish the network.

In both the presentation and the book there are photographs and Lewellen’s version of the history of the organization. The book features a fold-out map, and all sales of the book raise funds for Rails to Trails.

After the program, Lewellen will sell her books (for $27.95) and sign them. Bring cash or check to purchase.

In the latter half of her life, most of which has been in Chautauqua County, Lewellen has directed her community service to Chautauqua Rails to Trails, shifting away from watersports, golf, tennis, etc. She is a retired health ed teacher and also an early childhood education teacher trained in the Montessori method. In 2009, she published a book about her mother titled Chautauqua Hostess: Winnie of the Wensley House.

Those attending are welcome to bring a bagged lunch and join Lewellen after the program for lunch and conversation.

The fee is $8 or $6 for Nature Center members and children ages 9 to 15. Reservations are appreciated by calling 716-569-2345 or online through Programs and Events at AudubonCNC.org. Walk-ins are welcome.