Laura Gunderson became interested in the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT) after seeing a trail sign at one of the trail crossings in West Falls. Subsequently enjoying a cross country ski along the trail, she was motivated to see how she could help out.

Since 2021, Laura has been actively involved with the ECRT organization. She is currently the Leader of the West Falls chapter of Friends of the Trail, and has previously served a term on ECRT's Board of Directors, including acting as the Board's Secretary.

During her tenure, she actively promoted the trail by hosting many trail walks, fundraisers and other community events. She served on the inaugural EA2EVL Fondo committee, leading the event's volunteers for its first few years. She enjoys staying abreast of the happenings in West Falls, attending community meetings, and supporting efforts that embody the spirit of the quaint hamlet that she calls home.

Born and raised in Rochester, Laura grew up near the Genessee Valley Greenway Rail Trail which piqued her interest in rail trails. She earned her Bachelors degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Buffalo, and works as a Quality Systems and Regulatory Manager. Laura met her husband, Eric, during their college years, and in 2016 they purchased their home in West Falls.

Laura and Eric share a daughter, a golden retriever, and they have another daughter on the way. Most of Laura's family still reside in Rochester, and she visits regularly. Laura has 2 older brothers and a younger sister. 

Favorite pastimes of Laura's are hiking, biking, swimming, and running. She looks forward to a safe way to adventure to neighboring communities and enjoy stops along the trail.

Laura's enjoyed watching ECRT grow, sprouting from a grass roots movement into a more robust organization. From "Friendraiser" events to the attainment of vital grants, the train is in motion!

She loves the spirit of the group - an all volunteer organization - committed to their communities and getting folks outside!