Page 9 - 2025 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
experiencing 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, 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, wheelchair-
accessible surface. Guiding this effort was Fran Pizzola, a force from Cortland
County Access to Independence, who served as the center’s consultant 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. The nature center is now
©
home to two Action TrackChairs , 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 transformative 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-driven 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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