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Make 2021 count!

Perfect gifts for special people

Perfect gifts for special people

What if every ANT follower put away $1 every Tuesday in 2021 to support the Trail?  #GivingEveryTuesday

https://ANT2021.givesmart.com

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Perfect gifts for special people

Perfect gifts for special people

Perfect gifts for special people

     Order a Tribute Tile for installation along the Trail to honor someone who is as unique at The ANT!

Scroll down for more information


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CHARTER MEMBERS

Perfect gifts for special people

CHARTER MEMBERS

Arctic Refrigeration

Eco Serve Pest Services

Elitsac Lumber & Rental Center 

Elizabeth Osta, Author

Erdman Anthony & Associates

Family Furniture of Perry

Gas Field Specialists, Inc.

Humphrey Nature Center, LSP

in.site: architecture

Integrated Enterprise Solutions

Omnidon Productions

Penguin Multimedia, Inc.

Rock Autism of Buffalo

Silver Lake Marine

SLC Therapy of WNY

Spotlight Theater of Warsaw





The Autism Nature Trail

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The Campaign To Build the Autism Nature Trail (The ANT) at Letchworth State Park is a public-private partnership to provide a recreational Trail within the Park designed to allow visitors with autism and other developmental disabilities to push boundaries, explore new activities and develop skills.  To date, the Campaign has raised $3 million of the total $3.7 million budget which includes a generous endowment for maintenance, operations and programming forever.   

WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW, PLEASE!

Donate NOW!

Follow Us

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Tribute Tiles

 Tribute Tiles – created in clay with stamped, raised letters – will be permanently installed at prominent locations along the Trail. They come in 3 sizes and will depict names and personalized messages intended to honor, commemorate or memorialize loved ones and those who are giving their support to The ANT.

Buy Now

Be part of something BIG!

Your small business can be part of something BIG.

Join The ANT $100,000 Club -- for only $1,000.

SMALL BUSINESSES CAN PLAY A BIG PART IN THE ANT

For a one-time $1,000 gift, your business can become a member of The ANT's $100,000 Club. Each donor will receive a laser-engraved "slice" of a real tree that has fallen in Letchworth State Park. This handsome and unique keepsake can be displayed proudly at your place of business as a permanent reminder of your philanthropy and support for making nature accessible to all. HURRY--MEMBERSHIP IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 100!  Call (585) 201-8066 and please leave a message (because we're probably out on the trail).

A Child Connects with Nature

Elijah Kruger, environmental educator at Letchworth State Park describes a child's encounter with nature -- an example of how the Autism Nature Trail will give all the opportunity to explore the outdoors at their own pace.

Renderings

Trail Rendering

Trailhead Pavilion

Trailhead Pavilion

rendering image of the Trail map with the different areas

This exquisite schematic design is the work of the amazing team at in.site: architecture (isa), Perry, NY.

Station renderings are a collaborative effort of isa, Trowbridge Wolf Michaels Landscape Architects, Earthplay, and Autism Level UP!

Trailhead Pavilion

Trailhead Pavilion

Trailhead Pavilion

rendering image of the Trailhead Pavilion

 The Trailhead Pavilion will serve a dual purpose, marking both the entry and exit for The ANT. Orientation materials will be available at the start of the Trail to provide an optimum experience during every visit.  On the entrance side, a waterfall feature will attract the visitor’s attention, while offering a soothing and inviting gateway to the Trail.

Sensory Station

Trailhead Pavilion

Sensory Station

rendering image of the Sensory Station

  The Sensory Station will captivate all of a visitor's senses in a quiet and individualized way. Collections of leaves, moss, acorns, pinecones, bark, vines, seed pods, even animal fur and fossils will be available for up-close inspection, handling and smelling. Visitors will be reminded to listen for the sounds of the forest -- the wind in the trees, singing birds, chattering squirrels.

Sunshine Slope

Curiosity Corner

Sensory Station

rendering image of the Sunshine Slope

  The Sunshine Slope, a gentle maze in a sun-filled, natural opening in the woods, weaves a wide walkway through mounds of various woodland plantings of different heights. A viewing platform at the pinnacle provides a vantage point from which visitors can peer deeply into the woods or look backward from where they have come, perhaps gaining a new understanding of spatial relationships before choosing a route back to the main Trail.

Music Circle

Curiosity Corner

Curiosity Corner

rendering image of the Music Circle area

  The Music Circle is named for its location within a circular grove of pines. Visitors can experiment with nature-inspired instruments while being in control of sound creation and volume. An observation deck is adjacent to the space where instruments ring the area, positioned so that collaboration among individuals is possible and encouraged.

Curiosity Corner

Curiosity Corner

Curiosity Corner

rendering image of the Curiosity Corner

The Curiosity Corner is a space open to interpretation. Ant forms composed of boulder arrangements invite visitors to touch (or even hug), and smaller stones offer opportunities for stacking or sorting or ordering.  The full story of the Corner is not yet told and depends on the imagination of all who enjoy it!

Reflection Point

Meadow Run & Climb

Meadow Run & Climb

rendering image of the Reflection Point

  The Reflection Point offers a quiet place under a canopy of trees to listen to nature and to reflect about the natural world. Cuddle swings, gliders and alone zones will further encourage a sense of well-being, security and safety. At this half-way point on the Trail, visitors may regroup, move on or end the exploration by taking the bypass back to the Trailhead Pavilion.

Meadow Run & Climb

Meadow Run & Climb

Meadow Run & Climb

rendering image of the Meadow Run & Climb

  The Meadow Run & Climb is a dedicated space for running, jumping, climbing, balancing, and testing strength, coordination, flexibility and confidence. New earthworks rise into serpentine berms while a running/walking path playfully follows the rising and falling contours of the landscape before emptying into an open field. Native plantings grow and change the scene throughout the seasons, and an obstacle course, made primarily of logs and boulders, follows in a tight, zig-zag formation.

Design Area

Meadow Run & Climb

Playful Path

rendering image of the Design Area

  The Design Area taps into visitors’ ability to manipulate materials from the Trail site. This hands-on space encourages imagination and critical thinking, using natural items to create patterns, structures and “whole worlds!”

Playful Path

The Celebration Station

Playful Path

rendering image of the Playful Path

  The Playful Path honors the joy of just being in the woods. Along this last stretch of the Trail is a series of twisting paths covered in different surface materials (pea gravel, mowed grass, natural soil, pine needles). Each path can be navigated in a novel way, using a variety of motor skills.

The Celebration Station

The Celebration Station

The Celebration Station

rendering image of the Celebration Station

 The Celebration Station, located on the exit side of the Trailhead Pavilion, marks the end of the Trail journey that has provided challenges, new experiences and -- perhaps -- a new sense of confidence. Visitors will be encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings about the Trail by writing or drawing. The message "I was here and I have a voice" allows each individual to "own" the experience of The ANT.

Download a PDF of the renderings detailing the different sections of the trail or our latest Case Statement. 

Autism Nature Trail Renderings 12.2019 (pdf)Download
ANT: A Model for Post-COVID Outdoor Recreation (pdf)Download

Partners

  

The Campaign to Build the Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park is supported by several organizational partners within New York State, including the Natural Heritage Trust, Camp Puzzle Peace, Letchworth State Park, Perry Central School District and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT - EVERY DOLLAR MATTERS!

Donate now

The ANT in the News

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INTERVIEWS

 NPR radio interview on "Here and Now" with NYS Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid:  https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2020/03/31/new-york-nature-trail-autism


WGRZ- TV interview with Kate Welshofer: https://www.wgrz.com/embeds/video/71-8506961d-0c3b-4bc5-b873-12495b1ddc94/iframe?jwsource=fb&fbclid=IwAR3GcU0msaxLafWT77q8hTsyggIGdRXGLfIbRBB_obesz1cLOL3xwl04wnU


Rochester, NY TV interview:  https://foxrochester.com/news/good-day-rochester/public-phase-opens-for-autism-nature-trail-campaign-at-letchworth-state-park


Long Island, NY radio interview on "DDI on Autism" with Dr. Michael Romas (part 1) https://soundcloud.com/jvcbroadcasting/ddi-3-14-1-loren-penman-autism-nature-trail


Long Island, NY radio interview on "DDI on Autism" with Dr. Michael Romas (part 2) https://soundcloud.com/jvcbroadcasting/ddi-3-14-2-loren-penman-autism-nature-trail


Batavia, NY radio interview on "Genesee Life":  https://soundcloud.com/user-664389000/feb-9-2020-guest-loren-penman-autism-nature-trail-at-letchworth-state-par

NEWS STORIES

Batavia Daily News: https://www.thedailynewsonline.com/top_story/autism-nature-trail-appeals-for-funding-with-goal-in-sight/article_70627a0d-dce2-5f8e-b1de-ac2186e28bca.html


WXXI News, Rochester, NY: "First of its kind' Autism Nature Trail nearing reality at Letchworth" - https://www.wxxinews.org/post/first-its-kind-autism-nature-trail-nearing-reality-letchworth

WHEC News 10, Rochester, NY: "Organizers open up public fundraising phase for Autism Nature Trail" - https://www.whec.com/news/autism-nature-trail-letchworth-state-park/5628840/


13 WHAM News, Rochester, NY: "Fundraising campaign aims to create Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park" - https://13wham.com/news/local/fundraising-campaign-aims-to-create-autism-nature-trail-at-letchworth-state-park


Rochester First, Rochester, NY: "New trail planned in Letchworth for people with autism" - https://www.rochesterfirst.com/news/local-news/new-trail-planned-in-letchworth-for-children-with-autism/


Spectrum News, Buffalo, NY: Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth Kicks Off Public Campaign" - https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/buffalo/news/2020/01/30/autism-nature-trail-at-letchworth-kicks-off-public-campaign


Country Courier, Warsaw, NY: "The trail to $1.9 million begins: Public campaign seeks funds for Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park" - https://www.couriercountry.com/articles/the-trail-to-1-9-million-public-campaign-seeks-funds-for-autism-nature-trail-at-letchworth-state-park/


Video News Service, Batavia, NY: "WNY/Notre Dame student helping to raise funds for Autism trail at Letchworth State Park" - http://videonewsservice.net/index.php/2019/03/05/wny-notre-dame-student-helping-to-raise-funds-for-autism-trail-at-letchworth-state-park/


Boston Globe, Boston, NY: "Travel industry takes another look at ‘all inclusive’ and begins to accommodate special-needs guests" - https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/travel/2018/05/17/travel-industry-takes-another-look-all-inclusive-and-begins-accommodate-special-needs-guests/bvLGDBVSU3aPpynsGLwBKO/story.html


Genesee Valley Pennysaver, Batavia, NY: "Letchworth’s Autism Nature Trail Wins Cellino Contest" - https://www.gvpennysaver.com/my_hometown/hometown_stories/current_events/letchworth-s-autism-nature-trail-wins-cellino-contest/article_5c7d8982-8a58-11ea-9d7c-ef83e3218b9a.html


Wayne Post, Wayne County, NY: "Greece Kiwanians continue serving the community" - https://www.waynepost.com/news/20200518/greece-kiwanians-continue-serving-community


WKBW, Buffalo, NY: "The Autism Nature Trail" - http://www.wkbw.com/am-buffalo/autism-nature-trail 

Endorsements

We feel very fortunate to be supported by such respected individuals as autism advocate Dr. Temple Grandin, actor and activist Joe Mantegna, autism experts Drs. Amy Laurent and Jacquelyn Fede, pediatric autism practitioner Dr. Susan Hyman, AutismUp Director Sarah Milko, Head of New York City's LearningSpring School Margaret Poggi, nature writer Hans Kunze -- 

and many others!

photo of Dr. Temple Grandin and two others

"I’m glad that my suggestions for the Autism Nature Trail have been integrated into the final design and overall plan. The Trailhead Pavilion as a pre-walk station is important since many autistic children need to know what they’re getting into before they will engage. Cuddle swings and gliders are good choices for movement. I understand the cost involved in providing trained staff for the Trail, but its success depends on people who are passionate about nature who will get the children engaged."

~ Dr. Temple Grandin, Colorado State University

photo of Joe Mantegna

 "We sometimes forget that children with autism become adults with autism — and they are adults a lot longer than they are children. The Autism Nature Trail will provide a welcoming environment for visitors of all ages to experience the excitement, joy and comfort found in the wonders of our natural world. This unique form of direct and accepting engagement with nature in a world-class park adds a new dimension of exposure, with the potential of providing a lifetime of meaningful and fulfilling experiences. "

~ Joe Mantegna, actor and autism activist  Honorary Board member for The ANT 

photo of Ellen Bry

"As the parent of one neurotypical daughter and two sons on the spectrum who are at different levels of functioning, it was always challenging to find activities we could do together as a family. When I was first consulted about the Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park in New York State, I envisioned a place where one of my boys could be captivated by the water feature while the other studied the patterns of the Sunshine Slope while my daughter explored the adjoining Nature Center independently — all in a safe haven where a sudden outburst or meltdown did not mean that we would feel the need to pack up and leave. To have a park space intentionally designed for the enjoyment of individuals on the autism spectrum along with their families and friends is unprecedented — and long overdue."

~ Ellen Bry, actress, mother, autism advocate 

Download a PDF of all the endorsements for the Autism Nature Trail.

ANT endorsements 2020 (1) (pdf)Download

Thank You, Donors

Joe Mantegna in support of The ANT thanks donors for your contributions.

WE ARE READY!

Supporters from around the country (and even the world) LOVE The ANT!

Donate now

Contact Us about The ANT

Letchworth Photo Gallery

Accessibility

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Web Accessibility

This landing page contains information, images, pdf files and videos about the campaign to build the Autism Nature Trail, also known as The ANT, at Letchworth State Park.  If you’re having difficulty using our website, please feel free to call us at 518-474-2997. We’ll do our best to deliver the information to you in other ways, according to your needs and interests. 

How we made this site accessible:

  • The website uses clear headings, and the content layout and design are consistent.
  • Our website uses font colors and backgrounds with high contrast to meet  WCAG AAA standards.
  • Images with Alternative Text: Photographs and other relevant images on the site are accompanied by alternative text (the ALT tag.) Alt tags provide a written description of the image, which is accessible to screen readers. 
  • Accessible Via Mouse or Keyboard: You can use the mouse or keyboard to navigate through our content. The tab key will move the cursor from link to link. 
  • Relative Font Sizing: Relative font size can be enlarged using magnification tools or by changing your browser settings. 
  • Responsive Design: The width of the page changes and adapts to the width of your browser and screen.

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