News Archive

The Friends will recognize walkers/runners who complete the Westchester portion or the entire Old Croton Aqueduct Trail with a 26- or 41-mile certificate and patch (free to members). Click here for details and recognition forms.

Check out the short film we created to promote the Old Croton Aqueduct and our Keeper's House project. You can view it in fullscreen by clicking on the symbol in the bottom right corner. Special thank to Parks & Trails New York for supporting this project.

Directed by MEDIA TRIANGLE // L. Brandon Krall

We're thrilled to announce the winners of our annual bike raffle! The drawing was held at the Keeper's House on November 2nd.

First prize winner of the trail bike is Jon Flores of Tarrytown, whose birthday happened to fall on our raffle drawing day. "I knew when I bought that ticket that I would win!" say Jon, who bikes the trail regularly. The Friends worked with Endless Trail, Dobbs Ferry bike shop, to offer this outstanding bike.

A great episode of Secrets of New York with a major section on the OCA and featuring FOCA's own Mavis Cain and Bob Kornfeld and Park Manager Gary Ricci! The OCA bit starts at about 8:48.

HERE’S THE EXCITING NEWS ABOUT THE KEEPER'S HOUSE THAT THE FRIENDS HAVE BEEN WORKING TOWARDS AND WAITING FOR! STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES.

On August 26th, 2013 the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) publicly advertised in the NYS Contract Reporter for sealed bid for the Restoration/Rehabilitation of the Overseer's House in Dobbs Ferry, NY. The work includes restoration and rehabilitation of historic building as an interpretive and education center and park office.

Photo: Mavis Cain, Gary Ricci, Manager of Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park, Sammy Singh who worked on the bridge and Robert Kornfeld.

By Andrea Minoff

The Friends are thrilled that Bremner’s stone was the first to be repaired in the historic Little White Cemetery in Dobbs Ferry.

Bremner was the first keeper and superintendent of the Aqueduct Trail in the 4th district. He was responsible for daily maintenance and annual inspection of every foot of the interior in his area. He was stationed and housed in the Keeper’s House in Dobbs Ferry from the late 1840’s to his death in 1872. He lived there with his wife and two stepdaughters and must have used the old barn on Walnut street.

Please think twice. Please think three times.
Please don't plant bamboo anywhere near the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail.

In fact, nothing at all should be planted inside the 60-foot-wide state park boundaries! If in doubt ask the State Park Manager, Gary Ricci, Tel. 914 693 5259.

What's especially wrong with bamboo barriers? Bamboo knows no borders. Even from deep inside your back yard, bamboo roots will quickly decamp for the Aqueduct! They invade and loosen the tunnel brickwork underneath the trail. They threaten the structural integrity of the aqueduct.

The Aqueduct became a cross-country ski resort in February 2013. Fresh, powdery snow lured dozens of skiers including Friends President, Mavis Cain and her family. This is the first year local residents have been able to get cross country skis and snow shoes easily – with an LLBean and REI within reach in Yonkers.

How many times did we hear ”Isn't it wonderful to have snow!” Often there were three tracks on the trail – one for walkers, one for skiers and one for snow-shoers. Do we have to wait another year for a day like February 9?