'Outdoor Storytellers' in Lewiston and Niagara Falls

The New York Power Authority and Seaway Trail, Inc. have installed three history- and nature-themed Great Lakes Seaway Trail "Outdoor Storyteller" signage units at the Niagara Power Project locations in Lewiston and the City of Niagara Falls.

Two of the panels chronicle the local area's role in the French and Indian War. The panel titled "Fighting for Homeland: American Indian Allies" is located next to the outdoor turbine exhibit at NYPA's Power Vista Visitor Center for the Niagara Power Project in Lewiston.

The "Fort Schlosser: Guarding the Upper Landing" panel is at the project's water intakes in a scenic overlook park that is part of the NYPA project, but located in the City of Niagara Falls on the shoreline of the Niagara River. The natural history-theme Great Lakes Seaway Trail "Outdoor Storyteller" featuring the "Great Cataract of Niagara" is also here.

"The Power Authority is pleased to join with Seaway Trail Inc. to bring these unique always-available learning opportunities to tourists and residents of the region where thousands each year visit the Niagara Power Project. This type of project highlights the area's historical importance while helping to drive a boost to the local tourism economy," said Joseph Kessler, regional manager, Western New York, NYPA.

Artist and landscape architect Robert McNamara designed the 40-inch-by-30-inch interpretive panels that feature illustrations, timelines, historic maps, photos and a map of the Great Lakes Seaway Trail that spans the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, Niagara River and Lake Erie shorelines in New York and Pennsylvania.

John Osinski, executive director of regulatory affairs, NYPA, assisted with the sign project as an outgrowth of serving with Seaway Trail Inc. President and CEO Teresa Mitchell on New York state's French and Indian War 250th Anniversary Commemoration Commission 2000-2010.

"Seaway Trail Inc. has collaborated with the New York Power Authority and other partners to develop a multi-themed outdoor signage system that enhances the travel experience along the 518-mile National Scenic Byway known as the Great Lakes Seaway Trail. It has been very well received and we are pleased to now be adding to our War of 1812-themed signage in honor of its upcoming Bicentennial," Mitchell said.

NYPA's St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project in Massena is the site of two additional Great Lakes Seaway Trail "Outdoor Storytellers."

The Federal Highway Administration has supported the development and continuing expansion of the Great Lake Seaway Trail signage system.

Seaway Trail Inc. has recently had the proposed design of five new War of 1812-theme panels approved by the Niagara River Greenway Commission. Three of the panels will be installed in the Buffalo area, one in Youngstown, and one in Lewiston.

Learn more about history and interpretation on the Great Lakes Seaway Trail online atwww.seawaytrail.com or call 315-646-1000, ext. 200, for a free travel guide.