New York - Capital District
Dames in the New York area have three chapters to choose from!!! We suggest you join them all and take advantage of all of the fun activities the Dames have to offer!
Rena Lefkowitz
Co-Head Dame
NY - Capital District Chapter
My name is Rena and I am excited to co-lead Capital District Trail Dames with Liz Schwenke. I discovered Trail Dames in 2018. I live in Troy and recently retired – lots of time for hiking and yoga!
Walking and hiking have been a constant in my life from an early age. My love for walking started growing up in the Bronx. I walked everywhere, traversing neighborhoods, exploring parks – finding nature in some very unexpected places. However, I had never been on an actual “hike” on a marked trail until I moved to California in my twenties. I was awed by the redwoods, and as I hiked through the woods and came upon the ocean, I was hooked.
When I returned to the East Coast, I discovered the Adirondacks (I know, they were there all along), but I had never ventured that far upstate. I was simply amazed by the mountain views, the waterfalls, and can we talk about fall foliage? I also must warn you that I do stop for wildflowers. Hiking in nature nourishes my soul, raises my spirits and strengthens my body. What’s not to love?
We are so fortunate to have an abundance of nature to explore and enjoy in the Capital Region and beyond. We will offer hikes and walks for every ability at a pace that is doable for everyone. If you are inspired to lead hikes or have a special place for us to visit, please let us know. I look forward to many fabulous adventures while building an empowered and supportive community.
Liz Schwenke
Co-Head Dame
NY - Capital District Chapter
Hi! My name is Liz and I live in Rensselaer County at the edge of the Rensselaer Plateau.
When I was growing up, my family did not hike. But on long trips that passed miles and miles of woods, I always wondered if I could ever just walk into those woods and see where they lead. There was always that desire and drive to be in nature!
My first real hike was probably in the Adirondacks at Girl Scout camp as a teenager. Fast forward to 2020 and I was a Girl Scout leader. My troop wanted to continue to meet despite the Pandemic. We decided hiking was the way to do that! I've been hiking regularly since then. I love our many local properties in Rensselaer County including Albert Family Community Forest and Grafton. I spend many summer weekends in the Southern Adirondacks where there are so many beautiful and manageable hikes. I hike in all seasons and find being outside relaxing, renewing, and fun!
I found Trail Dames while trying to find a women's hiking group that would hike locally. Everything about Trail Dames matched what I was looking for. At the time, my local chapter needed a new Head Dame. I jumped in with both feet, and a walking stick!
l love hiking and being in the woods! I'd love to share that with others who love being in the woods or who just wonder if they might love the woods. There's plenty of support here so let's get going together!
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