The Mohawk Watershed Symposium provides an annual opportunity to network with other interests, movers and shakers within the watershed, learn about issues, and research, practical solutions, and progress to address those issues.

The important point in Eric Hamilton’s was or new approach outlined in our updated Corridor Management Plan. He shared a quote by Dr, Maree Forbes Gaughan from the National Travel center, “Well promoted Byways that feature heritage and cultural locations along the roadway giving visitors plenty of place to visit and spend money, complemented with destination distinctive accommodations and local cuisine, can feasibly generate between a quarter million dollars and a half million dollars per mile, per year in visitor spending.”   Apply this to the 26 mile Mohawk Towpath Byway we realize we can deliver between 7 and 12 million dollars to our local economy each year.

One of the more popular pieces of information on the table was the brochure that included and map of the Byway and introduces the self-guided tour available by cell phone by dialing 518-649-9990. Get out on the Byway and discover something new this spring!

Friends of the Mohawk Towpath is hosting its first ever Sprint Into History on Saturday, July 12, 2025, along the nationally designated Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway (MTSB) to raise funds for preservation of the historic route as well as securing donations of non-perishable food items for the Northeast Regional Food Bank to feed children in the summer months when school lunches are not available. The Towpath will be partnering with area Rotary Clubs, Car Clubs, Event Sponsors and others to deliver a very energetic and successful event.

Part Byway tour, part scavenger hunt, this unique sprint encourages getting out of the house to experience the serene nature that parallels MTSB and to enjoy the day, the camaraderie, and the fun! Whether by car, motorcycle, or bicycle participants can use whatever mode of transportation they choose and discover clues related to the unique history of the Byway. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners.

This unique sprint facilitates learning firsthand about the unique history and heritage along this very special route honoring the 200 year history and legacy of the Eric Canal as well as helping kids in the summer will be a win-win for all. Supporting preservation of the route is important, because there is no re-manufacturing of a historic route. Once they are gone, they are gone. And no one wants children to be hungry in the summer when they are off school.

Save the date, plan to participant! To register for the event go to https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Waterford/SprintIntoHistory. If you would like more information now, please email eric.hamilton@mohawktowpath.com or call 518-371-7548.

The Riverview Road Bridge over I-87 Northway is open to one lane traffic. Traffic flow is regulated with a three direction traffic light. Two of the traffic lights are on Clamsteam Road: one immediately north of the intersection with Riverview Road and another immediately south of the intersection. A third light faces eastbound traffic in Riverview Road east of the Boyack Road intersection. All three lights seem to be controlled by cameras that detect a waiting vehicle in any one of the lanes approaching the one lane bridge. Be patient as you approach the bridge, because it takes time to cycle through a sequence of light changes.

On the brighter side construction of a new bridge is expected to be complete by mid-August 2026!

The first time I identified a Grey Catbird, I was on a bike ride with a friend on the south side of the River. The two of us were at a prominent Mohawk River overlook in Colonie, somewhere just south of where Clifton Park and Halfmoon share a common southern point.

My friend quickly pointed out a bird he said was calling “Eric”. As it turned out it was a grey catbird, common around here in early summer with it’s cat like “meow” call from which the species got it’s name. The bird can’t vocalize a hard “c”, so I believe it is calling “erie” like in Erie Canal. Of course just below, my friend and I were overlooking the Erie Canal which it shares with the river in this area.

During subsequent tours with visiting groups and family, if I heard the nearby call of a catbird, I would point out that was a catbird. I would invoke my “New England humor” and claim that, in the Erie Canal corridor the relatively common summer avian visitor with it’s nasally “meow” was actually saying “Erie”. I have repeated this claim enough times that even I was starting to believe it! …until one day about 150 miles east of here, on the New England coast, I heard an “Erie” call and spotted the grey catbird perched in a low shrub like tree just back in the high ground above the beach.

This year the catbird arrived early, and is tapping on the window, teasing me to get out and enjoy this wonderful spring weather!