The trails have been open since the start of the school year in September after the project’s start in the summer of 2022.

Rachel Curtin, Chautauqua Lake Central School secondary principal, said she saw the potential in the forest near the school. Curtin is a mountain biker who has experience in trail building.

“Like many of the forests in our beautiful county, our property has winding creeks, old-growth trees, and plenty of drainage issues. We wanted to build a trail system that would teach, inspire, and bring joy to our students. Essentially, we wanted them to get students off their phones and computers and into the woods to realize that they live in a beautiful community. In order to do that, we needed an environmentally sustainable trail system that sheds water to reduce erosion, maintains its integrity when used, and respects the topography and essence of the forest it features.”

Trail Construction Associates, the masterminds behind recent enhancements to Chautauqua County’s Overland trail systems, worked on the Chautauqua Lake trail. Adam Gollwitzer’s Field Science students played a role by marking boundaries and clearing the path. Conservation students also joined the project, contributing their skills with shaping and clipping roots to add the finishing touches to the trail. Manufacturing teacher Dan McCray and his students designed and manufactured our trail signs. They were also builders for many of the new kiosks that are found on the Rails to Trails and Overland trail entrances.

Chautauqua Lake Central School students are pictured on the new CLCS Adventure Trail. Submitted photo

The design process for the Adventure Trail prioritized sustainability, ensuring that the trail harmonized with its surroundings rather than disrupting them while considering the needs of multiple users. TCA builders Thom

Wright and Greg Snow found the path that offers the most engaging and educational experience possible.

“Students get to immerse themselves in nature and witness its transformative power. The trails allow us to discover the importance of conservation and partake in an incredible opportunity to learn about the wildlife and ecosystems common in Chautauqua County,” said Kim Healy, Chautauqua Lake secondary school science teacher. “Student benefits are endless when you combine learning and nature.”

Gollwitzer, Healy and Denny are also looking forward to the spring, as the trail will help students tap into maple trees for sap. The physical education department has also incorporated mountain biking into the curriculum, allowing seventh through 12th grade students to learn to bike in the woods. Chelsey Vincent, Chautauqua Lake physical education teacher, said she has seen growth and excitement in students as they swoop and pedal through the trail system.

“As a mountain bike enthusiast, I am truly impressed with the new mountain bike/hiking trails at Chautauqua Lake! These trails are a great opportunity for the school body and endless opportunities for our community,” said Sue Teets. “Much thought and “sweat” went into the trails, and it has already paid off.”

Chautauqua Lake Central School students, staff and administrators are pictured during a recent ribbon cutting for the Chautauqua Lake Central School Adventure Trail. Submitted photos

English teacher Michelle Rowe has also used the winding path through the forest to help students develop speaking skills.

“The trail turned out to be a great venue for students to practice speaking skills,” Rowe said. “The ninth grade English Honors students participated in a Walk and Talk activity based on independent reading choices. We walked through the fall foliage and had a relaxed atmosphere to do this. Our building principal, Rachel Curtin, also led the way and participated. Students enjoyed being outside and discussing literature, so much so that we will continue the activity in the spring.”

The school’s senior class will host a 5K run on Saturday to allow the public to explore the trail and raise money for the senior class trip. For more information on the trail, visit www.clake.org

“Spending time in nature is proven to increase creativity and problem-solving skills, all while reducing stress. I am profoundly grateful for our district’s vision to make this trail system a reality for our students and staff alike– Trusting they will learn to soak in the beauty of our stunning Chautauqua County, reduce stress and worry in a healthy way, and be as proud as I am to be a part of CLCS,” said Jessica Cowan, school counselor.