Nature Conservation
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Advocacy Efforts
ADK advocates for responsible outdoor recreation, outdoor recreation education, stewardship of public lands, and recreation infrastructure, including sustainable trail construction and maintenance. Through these efforts, we are growing an inclusive stewardship community that supports the safe and ethical use and conservation of New York’s wild lands and waters.
Safeguard Public Lands
Across the nation, and right here in New York, public lands face an uncertain future.
On the federal level, short-sighted policies will continue to push to sell off our shared natural heritage and diminish the very agencies tasked with protecting it. At the same time, federal cuts can weaken essential environmental and stewardship funding in New York State, putting our parks, forests, and waters at risk.
At ADK, we believe public lands are for everyone, and they must be protected for generations to come.
Your support is key to protection and preservation.
This is why, with your support, we advocate passionately for public land acquisition, stewardship programs, and environmental funding in New York State.
From trail crews and summit stewards to visitor centers and conservation easements, our work ensures these lands remain protected, accessible, managed for future generations, for all people.
Invasive Species: Stop The Spread!
Did you know that invasive species are one of the greatest threats to biodiversity? Because people are primarily responsible for the introduction and spread of invasive species, we can have a huge impact if we take small, simple steps to protect native species.
ADK partners with the DEC and the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program to run citizen science “early-detection” projects to search for and report invasive species in lakes and forests.
Leave No Trace
ADK is a proud partner of “Leave No Trace”an organization devoted to teaching people how to minimize their impacts. ADK is one of eleven national providers of Leave No Trace Master Educator courses and our Three Seasons at Heart Lake school program is accredited by Leave No Trace. We also incorporate Leave No Trace principles into all guided trips, workshops, and volunteer programs.
The 7 Leave No Trace Principles are not rules, but rather a set of tools to empower each of us to become stewards of public lands through our actions.
For more visit https://lnt.org/
Environmental Protection Fund
Established in 1993, the Fund is New York State’s dedicated source of funding for critical environmental programs that protect what we love about New York – our clean drinking water, our magnificent parks, and our family farms.
The 7 Leave No Trace Principles
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the regulations and special considerations for the area you’ll be visiting.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Always leave your itinerary with someone at home.
- Travel in small groups to minimize impacts.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Hike in the middle of the trail; walk through (not around) puddles/mud.
- Stay off of vegetation; walk on rocks where possible.
- Camp in designated sites where possible.
- In other areas, don’t camp within 150 feet of water, trail, or a road.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
- Pack out all trash (including toilet paper), leftover food, and litter.
- Use existing privies or dig a 6-8 inch deep cathole at least 150 feet from water.
- Wash yourself and dishes at least 150 feet from water. If needed, use only small amounts of biodegradable soap.
4. Leave What You Find
- Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.
- Let photos, drawings, or journals help capture your memories.
- Do not build structures or furniture or dig trenches.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Use a portable stove to avoid the lasting impact of a fire.
- Where fires are permitted, use existing fire rings and collect only downed wood.
- Burn all fires to ash, put out campfires completely, and hide traces of fire.
6. Respect Wildlife
- Observe wildlife from a distance.
- Avoid wildlife during mating, nesting, and other sensitive times.
- Control pets at all times, and clean up after them.
7. Be Considerate of Others
- Respect others and protect the quality of their experience.
- Let natural sounds prevail; avoid loud sounds and voices.
- Be courteous and yield to other users; take breaks to one side of the trail.
Membership at the Adirondack Mountain Club
ADK members are vital to the success of our mission. As direct supporters, members are connected with opportunities to engage with the ADK community and to give back to the public lands and waters we all love.
