Meet Alicyn Schiafo, our new Catskills Visitor Center Manager!
From childhood camping trips at Little Pond to weekends spent gardening, hiking, and enjoying local food and music, Alicyn has a deep connection to the Catskills. Now she’s helping visitors find their own.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend in the Catskills?
Alicyn: For me, a perfect Catskills weekend is all about a little bit of everything that makes this place special.
I love starting with time in my native flower garden, watching the pollinators move from bloom to bloom. There’s something especially rewarding about creating a space that supports the local landscape while enjoying the beauty and activity it brings right outside my door.
From there, I’m always up for exploring the incredible food scene in the area. The Catskills are home to so many wonderful restaurants, and sharing a delicious meal is one of my favorite ways to experience the region.
I’d round out the evening with some local music and then, when I’m ready for a little adventure, head out for a hike in the Catskills. Whether it’s a familiar trail or a new peak, spending time in the mountains is the perfect way to recharge.
For me, the best weekends here are a combination of nature, community, good food, music, and a little time outside, pretty much everything I love about the Catskills!
Is there a Catskills landscape, habitat, or natural feature that feels especially meaningful to you?
Alicyn: Little Pond Campground has been a meaningful place for my family for as long as I can remember. Starting when I was a small child, my family made an annual tradition of camping there, and as adults, my siblings and I have continued that tradition together.
It’s a treasured time for us to reconnect, gather around the campfire, paddle around the pond, and slow down enough to notice the little things like spotting red efts along the trails. Returning to Little Pond year after year has created a sense of connection not only to the landscape, but to each other and to the memories we’ve built there over generations.
What’s your vision for the Catskills Visitor Center and its role in helping people connect with, explore, and care for the Catskills?
Alicyn: My vision for the Catskills Visitor Center is to help every visitor discover a sense of wonder, excitement, and connection to the region. I want visitors to connect with the natural landscape, explore the Catskills’ rich culture and history, and find opportunities to slow down and be present.
The Center can also empower visitors with the knowledge and resources they need to enjoy the Catskills responsibly, fostering a deeper understanding of the ecosystem and inspiring visitors to become thoughtful stewards of this special place.
Stop by the Catskills Visitor Center to say hello to Alicyn and the rest of the Visitor Services team, and find your own way to connect with the region.
