""

ADK's Summit Steward ProgramSummit Steward Logo

Summit stewards protect New York’s alpine plant communities, found on the highest mountains in the state. Their primary focus is to educate visitors about these rare ecosystems, which exist on only 16 peaks in New York. The High Peaks Summit Steward program is a partnership of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK), the Adirondack Nature Conservancy, and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

 

Alpine plant species live in challenging environments. Many of these species are rare or endangered, and all are susceptible to human foot traffic. Summit stewards educate hikers to enlist their help in protecting these species from trampling. Above tree line, summit stewards define the trail by erecting rock cairns and scree walls and painting blazes. During the peak hiking season (mid-June through Labor Day), summit stewards provide full-time coverage on Mount Marcy and Algonquin. Summit stewards spend time talking to hikers on other Adirondack high peaks such as Mount Colden and Wright Peak.

 

Hiker approaching the summit of Wright PeakSummit stewards have made over 307,000 visitor contacts since 1990. Education is vital to promoting responsible recreation above tree line. Volunteers can expand coverage and help carry out special projects.

Funding for the Summit Steward Program has been made possible in part through the generosity of the 46er Conservation Trust and the DEC. Other donors are the Forty Sixers, Campmor, the Waterman Alpine Stewardship Fund, The Mountaineer of Keene Valley, Vasque Boots, ADKhighpeaks Foundation, and Northern States Research Cooperative.

 

2011 Summit Stewards

Above, a hiker approaching the summit of Wright Peak in the Adirondack High Peaks Region. At right, 2011 Summit Stewards (l-r)

Devon Reynolds, Gina Edwards, Zack Bell, Sam Brooks, Libby Nichols, and Summit Steward Coordinator Julia Goren.

 

 

 

 

More Information