Release Date: February 23, 2026

The Woodstock Land Conservancy, in partnership with KATrail.org and CPW: The Center for Photography at Woodstock, sponsored a photo contest to celebrate the Ashokan Rail Trail (ART), and the public is invited to the exhibit opening and awards ceremony March 7 from 3-5 p.m.

The Happy Trails Photo Contest launched last fall to celebrate the ART’s sixth anniversary. The submissions are in, and the judges are ready to announce winners in the three categories as well as a Best in Show at the Exhibit Opening and Awards Ceremony. Everyone is invited to celebrate art of the ART.

“The Ashokan Rail Trail has been in the news for the last 18 months due to the renewed legislative interest in the Ulster & Delaware Corridor, specifically the section just south of the rail trail known as the ‘undesignated section’,” WLC Executive Director Andy Mossey said. “We wanted to ensure it is also in the news for its positive impact on our county in the last six years, its stunning beauty and its significance as a gathering place for families and friends.” 

Professional photographers Jamie Kennard, Phil Mansfield and Amanda Russo Rubman judged the entries. The awards will be announced March 7 and on display with the other entries through April 5 at CPW, which is located at 25 Dederick Street in Kingston.

Photographers — both professional and amateur — were encouraged to submit their favorite ART photos in one of three categories: landscape, flora and fauna, and happy faces. Category prizes include a gift basket from Bread Alone, a gift certificate from Catskill Art Supply and a gift card from Hudson Valley Seed Company. The Best in Show prize is a private landscape consulting session with KaN Landscape Design.

The exhibit opening offers attendees the opportunity to congratulate the winners while enjoying refreshments and exciting information about the rail trail and its future. Registration is required, but the event is free. Register at this link: https://bit.ly/3Mjd2Ko or visit the Woodstock Land Conservancy’s website.