The Friends of the Catharine Valley Trail, in partnership with NYS Parks, has unveiled a new pavilion at the Huck Finn Trailhead. The project was funded by a donation from the Ek Family, longtime supporters of the trail.
Rick Ek, the family patriarch, helped develop the trail and created the Ek Birding Trail at the southern end of the CVT in Mark Twain State Park. Inspired by his legacy, his granddaughters, known as the “Sisters Council,” pooled funds from an inheritance to support the trail and birding path, resulting in the pavilion purchase and installation.
The dedication ceremony drew family members from as far as Connecticut. State Park representative Ron Roney recalled Rick Ek’s “Go Big or Go Home” attitude, while Bette Ek’s daughter Kirsten highlighted the collaboration that made the pavilion possible.
The pavilion is part of ongoing improvements to the CVT, which include recent trail resurfacing from Smith Road to the Huck Finn Trailhead. Trail users can also explore a new Catharine Valley Trail app, featuring a voice tour of historic points along the trail, and newly available brochures, thanks to the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce. The free app is available in both Apple and Android stores in multiple languages.
The pavilion provides a new spot for picnics and relaxation for visitors enjoying the CVT or Ek Birding Trail.
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