Page 9 - 2024 Cortland Travel Guide

OUTDOORS
Trails
Breaking

LIME HOLLOW PAVES THE WAY FOR INCLUSIVE
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Picture this: a rugged trail winding through the lush woods, the chatter of
birds above and the rustle of leaves beneath your feet. Now, imagine experi-
encing this bliss even if mobility challenges are a part of your story. Thanks to
Lime Hollow Nature Center’s innovative spirit, coupled with a community’s
unwavering commitment to accessibility, the Cortland County nature center
has been a game-changer in the world of nature exploration.

In 1996, Charles Yaple envisioned the Trail for All project, aiming to break
barriers in nature exploration. Guided by the passionate Glenn Reisweber,
who carried the torch as the executive director, this initiative evolved into a
movement with the goal of ensuring that all, regardless of physical abilities,
could experience Lime Hollow’s wonders.

In 2009, after three years of steadfast dedication, a 1/3-mile wheelchair-
accessible trail materialized—a collaborative effort by dedicated community
volunteers. Eagle Scouts crafted bridges and a wheelchair-accessible stream
overlook; the Dryden Rotary Club, with a generous donation from Bestway
Lumber’s, built an accessible Gracie Pond overlook. The Cortland Career
Works Program and SUNY Cortland students moved 140 tons of sand by
hand over two summers to transform the mulch trail into a robust, wheel-
chair-accessible surface. Guiding this effort was Fran Pizzola, a force from
Cortland County Access to Independence, who served as the center’s consul-
tant and took an honorary wheelchair ride on launch day.

Fifteen years later, Lime Hollow continues to champion inclusivity under
the leadership of executive director Ilya Schmulenson. In 2023, the nature
center became one of two in the state equipped with an Action TrackChair©,
a battery-powered, all-terrain “wheelchair”. Further plans include regrading,
rerouting and resurfacing specific trails, expanding the Accessible Trail from
1/3 mile to three miles through the renowned Art Meadow and connecting it
to the Lehigh Valley railroad trail. Rest points, repairs to existing bridges and
directional signage installations are also in the pipeline, guided by insights
from Cornell University’s Design Connect program and SUNY Cortland’s
outdoor recreation internship program. Thanks to backing from the Central
NY Community Foundation, Guthrie, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation,
JM Murray Foundation, Nicholas & Agnes Renzi Charitable Fund, Plan First
Technologies, and the Siegle Foundation, Lime Hollow continues its transfor-
mative journey toward universal outdoor access.

This journey has been a testament to the spirit of a united community, fueled
by a shared passion for nature. The Trail for All transcends being merely a
Lime Hollow Nature Center endeavor; it has evolved into a community-driv-
en initiative, embodying the collaborative commitment to universal outdoor
accessibility and the enduring love for the great outdoors.

Visit limehollow.org to reserve the Action TrackChair

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