The third annual Western New York Urban Treks Challenge – hosted by Outside Chronicles and the Black Rock Riverside Alliance (BRRAlliance) – has officially launched. The Challenge was initially created to get more people outside enjoying local parks and trails, while getting healthy by engaging with their natural surroundings.
Not only does a walk in the park clear the head and get the blood pumping, this particular Challenge is also informative. Participants learn about the history of the parks, while identifying flora and fauna along the way.
What’s Included in the Challenge
- Challenge Packet – a PDF containing information to get you started, park descriptions, trailhead coordinates, maps, checklists, and more.
- Digital Maps – every location has a digital map you can import into the easy-to-use Avenza maps app.
- NEW Challenge App – new in 2024 is an app to track your progress; the app works on iPhone, Android, or in a web browser.
- Private Facebook Group – participants can join a private challenge Facebook group to ask questions, share photos, and meet your fellow trekkers.
- Improved Physical & Mental Wellbeing – it’s a proven fact that getting outside in nature will improve your physical and mental fitness.
- Give Back – a large portion of your challenge registration fee will be donated to organizations doing incredible work in WNY.
Giving Back
According to the BRRAlliance, The WNY Urban Treks Challenge gives 100% of profits to organizations that promote stewardship of the outdoors, protect the lands we use for recreation, or provide outdoor education for all. All profits from trekker registrations will be donated to the Black Rock Riverside Alliance.
The BRRAlliance has created the challenge for all the right reasons, including the boosting the health of participants, as well as the health of the planet. By being in tune with our natural surroundings, we are better equipped to nurture nature. And the best way to do that is to engage with local parks and trails that dot the WNY landscape.
The WNY Urban Treks Challenge includes 16 treks, each with a unique landmark. The landmarks include; monuments, bridges, and trees. Each park has a highlighted ‘Suggested Trail” that takes you past each Challenge Landmark. This year’s treks are:
- Black Rock – Riverside Park
- Buffalo State & Richardson Complex
- Cazenovia Park
- Circles & Parkways
- Darwin Martin House
- Delaware Park (Rumsey Woods)
- Erie Basin Marina
- Forest Lawn Cemetery
- Martin Luther King (MLK) Park
- Niawanda Park
- Ohio Street Parks
- Outer Harbor
- South Park
- Symphony Circle
- Tifft Nature Preserve
- Unity Island
Challenge Rules
This year’s Challenge features 16 treks. Hikers need to earn 150 points to receive a finisher patch, sticker, and bragging rights.
- Earn one-hundred fifty (150) points by completing challenges in the new app between June 21 and October 15, 2024.
- Points can be earned by hiking trails, completing tasks, and other fun challenges!
Use the information in the Challenge packet and app to earn 150 points. Treks are worth 10 points. In addition to treks, you can earn points by completing fun challenges in the app. Get out there and find the landmarks! Follow fellow trekkers on the leaderboard and don’t forget to check out the My Badges sections to earn fun in-app badges.