SUNY/Erie Canal Bicentennial Forum: Navigating the Canalway Trail

Registration is required. Seating is limited. Registration opens @ 9:30am - Reserve a spot

As 2025 marks the Erie Canal Bicentennial and the fifth anniversary of the completion of the Empire State Trail in New York State, join a lively conversation with the experts and enthusiasts who keep the nation’s longest multiuse trail thriving. This segment of the Bicentennial Forum series will take place at the SUNY Polytechnic Institute Utica campus. We welcome trail stewards, trail users, municipal leaders and the community at large to register today to attend this engaging event free of charge!

Immediately following the forum, join us for a Vendor Expo hosted by trail and outdoor recreation advocacy groups, New York State agencies, and others for continued discussion and learning.

NYPA and Canals are committed to reducing barriers to employment and advancing career opportunities for people with disabilities, in accordance with NYS Executive Order 31. We welcome people with disabilities to apply for positions, and can provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process related to candidates’ disabilities, pregnancy-related conditions, religious observances/practices and/or domestic violence concerns.

Similarly, event attendees who require modification of policies/programs, auxiliary aids and/or other services to participate in this event or to otherwise have an equal opportunity to participate in and enjoy the benefits of Canal Corporation services, programs and activities should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Inclusion (accessibility@nypa.gov or (914) 772-5133) as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event.

Location: SUNY Polytechnic Institute - Student Center Multi-Purpose Room

OPENING SESSION

Welcome Remarks: Dr. Winston Oluwole Soboyejo – President, SUNY Poly

Introduction of Keynote: Brian U. Stratton, Director, NYS Canal Corporation

Keynote Speaker: Sasha Del Peral, Trail Manager, NYS Canal Corporation

Canal Recreationway Commmissioner Kal Wysokowski

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

Panel 1: Establishing Bike & Trail Friendly Communities

Moderator: Jamie Kowalczk - Assistant Director, Madison County Planning Department

Panelists:

• Chris Morris – Statewide Trails Program Planner, NYS Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation

• Dylan Carey - Director of Policy and Planning, Parks & Trails NY

• Bobbie O’Brien – Co-Chair, Rome Waterways & Trail Advocacy Group

• Sharon Heyboer- Transportation Alternatives Coordinator Region 2, NYS Department of Transportation

• Hon. Jonathan Taylor – Mayor of Newark

Panel 2: Creating a Welcoming Trail Network

Moderator – Nancy Harvey – Chief DEI Officer, NY Power Authority/Canals

Panelists:

•Nikita Jankowski - President, Belesai Communications

•Kate Morse - Executive Director, Hudson Crossing Park

• Hon. Margay Blackman - Mayor of Brockport

• Ashley Quimby-Simoni - Communications & Outreach Manager Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor

• Hilda M. Jordan - CEO, Board Chair & President, & Economic Development Chair, HMJ Consulting, MUNPC, & Utica-Oneida NAACP

Networking Reception and Vendor Expo immediately following