CAZENOVIA — On Thanksgiving Day, Cazenovia Preservation Foundation (CPF) presented its annual Turkey Trot Fun Run/Walk along the Gorge Trail.

CPF is a private, non-profit organization that works to protect the historical, agricultural, and natural resources in and around Cazenovia for the benefit of the community and the enjoyment of future generations.

CPF’s Gorge Trail follows the former bed of the Cazenovia and Canastota Railroad. The improved section of the trail parallels Chittenango Creek for two-plus miles from Clark Street north to Bingley Road. The trail is a section of the North Country National Scenic Trail, a 4,800-mile trail that stretches across eight states, from North Dakota to Vermont, making it the longest in the National Trails System. In addition to parking areas off Clark Street and Bingley Road, the Gorge Trail can be accessed from the Buyea’s True Value parking lot on Route 20 or on foot from Williams Street.

Each year, CPF’s out-and-back Turkey Trot 5K course starts at Clark Street and travels along a gravel-converted rail trail. A one-mile fun run course is also marked.

According to CPF Executive Director Jen Wong, proceeds from the race go to supporting CPF’s ongoing stewardship of its properties and 13 miles of public access four-season trails.

CPF also accepts non-perishable food donations at the event for CazCares food pantry and clothing closet.

Sponsored by Baird & Muffy Hansen, Cazenovia Lumber & Oil, Wegmans, and Dunkin’, this year’s Turkey Trot drew a combined total of 197 participants in the 5K run/walk and one-mile fun run.

Erich Nieman finished first in the men’s race followed by Colin Campbell in second and Jake Woolbert in third. In the women’s race, Olivia McGranaghan finished first followed by Kathryn Arbegast in second and Abbey Nyland in third. In the youth race, Jack Frazee took first, Campbell Franz was second, and Jacob Burch was third.

During the awards ceremony, CPF dedicated a new Gorge Trail kiosk.

According to Wong, the organization has worked to replace several of its trail kiosks this season. The new design was prepared by Teitsch Kent Fay Architects, P.C. and the construction was completed by volunteers Ken Reger, George Belton, and Ken Edkins, with installation assistance from Jon Kogut of Spruce Ridge Landscape and CPF staff and board volunteers.

Earlier this summer, CPF received a gift from Andrew and Lauren Bennett in memory of their parents. A portion of the gift was directed to the sponsorship of the new Gorge Trail kiosk in honor of their mother, Barb Settel, who was a regular walker on the trail before her passing in April 2021.

The Bennetts crafted the language for the dedication, which reads:

“This kiosk is sponsored by Andrew and Lauren Bennett in loving memory of Barbara Settel. Barb cherished these very trails you walk today. In any season, no matter the weather, she enjoyed the five-mile round trip trek on the Gorge Trail. Her passion for the outdoors, and her adventurous spirit had no bounds. With her always, was her equally vibrant chocolate lab, Juno. Between games of fetch, Barb and Juno meandered the trail, letting the sights and sounds of the creek be their guide. May Barb’s zest for nature inspire you, and may we all aspire to ‘Live like Barb.’”

According to Wong, Mary Lou and Charlie Pace, Juno’s current owners, accompanied the chocolate lab to the awards ceremony/dedication after the race.

The Barb Settel sign will go up on the Gorge Trail at the Clark Street kiosk once the remaining kiosk signage gets back from the printer. The kiosks at the Willow Patch, Carpenter’s Pond, Burlingame Road, and the connector trail from Lorenzo/Meier’s Creek to Fairchild Hill were also replaced.

The remainder of the Bennett’s memorial gift will be put towards trail improvements planned for the Gorge Trail Gateway, the entrance to the trail system at Albany Street near the Buyea’s parking area.

“CPF has partnered with Mr. Earl Buyea Sr., the owner of the property at the Gorge Trail Gateway, to develop a plan for trail access and amenity improvements at this important location in the village,” said Wong. “Over the last 18 months, we have worked with [Cazenovia Community Development Association] and the National Park Service to develop a conceptual design for the project, which has been further refined by local landscape architect Matthew D. Vredenburgh.”

For more information on CPF, visit cazpreservation.org.