About Us

W.I.L.D. about Alfred formed in the spring of 2011 to make the most of Alfred's unique physical setting in Western New York. Our job is to get you outside to experience our gorgeous location and have fun in the outdoors with your friends, professors and staff. Stay up to date with WILD events and photos on our Facebook page!

WILD-ness all around us

• Pine Hill Trails - right in our backyard, suitable for hiking, trail running and mountain biking. Click for topo map.
• Equestrian Center trails - click for topo map.
• Foster Lake
• Sugar Shack - making delicious syrup at Joel's House from the maple trees on Pine Hill
• Friday Night Hikes: 6pm every Friday, leaving from the mailroom in the Powell Campus Center. Rain, shine or snow, we'll hike the Pine Hill Trail loop right in our backyard.

Upcoming Events

WILD about Maple Syrup - Sunday, April 7:
Come to the Alfred University Sugar Shack (next to Joel's House) for free pancakes, maple gelato, and sugar on snow (if there's still snow - let's hope not) with syrup made on-site by our own AU students.
When: 11:00am - 1:00pm, no advance registration necessary
Where: AU Sugar Shack next to Joel's House

Women in the Wilderness Day - Sunday April 14:
A three mile hike on Pine Hill starting and ending at the Judson Leadership Center! This event is going to be a fun way to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Alfred woods while learning some useful outdoor information along the way! Give away's, "Swag Bags" and lunch included for a $10 participation fee! Space is limited to the first 35 registrants so sign-up today!
Presented as a Woman's Leadership Academy Capstone project.
When: 11:00am to 2:00pm
Where: Start at the Judson Leadership Center
Details: Wear comfortable clothing and decent walking shoes

Zombie Apocalyse Marathon 2013 - Saturday, April 20:
Envision running for your life through zombie infested trails and facing unforeseen obstacles. Only few can outlast the zombie infection and reach safety. Pre-registration ($10) will be open from March 20th-April 19th. Registration will also be available at the event ($15) from 1:00-1:45pm. Funds raised will be donated to a charity of the Winner's choice. For more information contact: Jonathon Uglade or Heather Liggett.
When: Saturday, April 20 starting 2:00pm
Where: TBA but most likely at the Equestrian Center
Details: A shuttle will be provided from campus to the Equestrian Center and pre-registration is required.

Wellness 5k and Color Run - Saturday, April 27:
In conjunction with Hot Dog Day AU will be hosting its own version of the Color Run - watch for details! Advance registration will be required; a link will be posted as the event gets closer.
When: Saturday, April 27 starting at 9am
Where: AU Bandstand

WILD about Whitewater Rafting - Sunday, May 12:
In the Letchworth Gorge. Registration will be available the latter part of April. Advance registration is required; additional details and a registration link will be posted as the event gets closer.
When: Sunday, May 12th
Where: Letchworth State Park
How much: $35.00 which includes transportation, raft, wet suit, and life preserver
Details: Transportation to the event will be included in the registration fee.

Special Events During Past Year

September 29: Horse to Holler, a seven mile trail hike starting at the Equestrian Center and finishing at Pollywogg Holler, a local eco-resort, for wood-fired pizza and beverages. The hike includes two aid stations and a s'more station, giveaways, door prizes, and pizza at the finish. Thank you to this year's sponsors, AVI Fresh, Brian Schu, Attorney at Law, Fox's Pizza, Hamilton Shoes, Judson Leadership Center, Lain Cider, AU Student Affairs Office and AU Career Development Center.

• Registration closed for this year. Thank you to our 150 participants! We raised over $700 for Cure Childhood Cancer and had a great time.
• Horse to Holler Trail Map

October 20: WILD about Cycling - a collaboration with AU's Bike Hub

• Registration closed for this year.

November 30: Funky, Fiery, Final Friday Night Hike with Food and Fun.

• Meet at the mailroom in the Campus Center at 6pm. No advance signup necessary - just come! Bring headlamps if you have them, and snowshoes if necessary. If you don't have them, no worries. We have loaners.
• The Pine Hill Trail will be illuminated with glow sticks! Afterward, reconvene at Joel's House at 7 for a bonfire and snacks.

Saturday, January 26: WILD About Skiing and Snowboarding at Swain Resort, about a half hour away.

• A small fee covers transportation, rentals and a lesson. Advance registration required; the link will be posted as the event gets closer.
• Student Registration
• Non-students and community members interested in taking part in this event can contact Mark McFadden or Tricia Debertolis for more information.

Sunday, February 17: WILD About Winter - snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, skijoring (look it up), a bonefire, s'mores and more (snow sculpting if there is enough snow). For the more enthusiastic lovers of winter, there will be a five mile nighttime snowshoe from the Equestrian Center back to Alfred university. This will be fairly difficult hike with steep ascents and descents.

• 1 - 4pm, at the Equestrian Center; no advance registration required