""

Education Volunteer Opportunities at Heart Lake

Join the Education Department at the Adirondack Mountain Club this summer and fall for a rewarding experience turning on the public to the joys of the outdoors. The Education Department aims to enhance visitors' experience on the property in ways that allow them to maximize their appreciation and understanding of the unique environment of the High Peaks and the fascinating human history of the “Finest Square Mile.” From little kids to elders, there is opportunity to present lasting memories for others and yourself by volunteering a day or longer as an education volunteer at ADK.

All educational volunteers will be required to attend a short training session with the Education Department. The first session will be Sunday, June 20, from 10 AM-2 PM.  If they cannot attend, we will make arrangements to hold training at a later date.

Volunteer Opportunities for this Summer and Fall

Bear awareness/visitor contact at HPIC: Using props and information, educate the public outside the High Peaks Information Center regarding black bears in the eastern High Peaks Wilderness. Topics include food storage, bear behavior and some physiology, basic safety regarding human-bear interaction, and general regulations regarding black bears and food storage.

Nature Museum Docent: Interact with the public and answer questions about our Nature Museum, fern, and butterfly gardens.  Enjoy and interpret a variety of natural and cultural history exhibits. Lead an afternoon arts and crafts program for kids.

Mt. Jo Summit Host: Assist the Summer Naturalist Interns in educating the hiking public atop beautiful Mt. Jo! Educational topics include Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics, natural and cultural history, peak identification, and basic map and compass use.

Interpretive Walks: If you are already an educator and have an interpretive walk that you would like to give, we can offer this volunteer opportunity. All of our interpretive walks run for one hour each at 11 AM and 2 PM each day during July and August. Volunteers interested in giving interpretive walks will need to attend a second training session.

Loj Property Host: This position involves providing info to Loj guests, answering questions about the history of the Loj property and hiking trails, and being a general resource to Loj guests. Overnight tent platform accommodations and all meals are provided for those who wish to perform duties for several days or more. A great opportunity to spend some quality time at the “Finest Square Mile” in the Adirondacks!

Volunteer benefits: Each volunteer will receive free parking for the day, an ADK volunteer T-shirt to wear, and free lunch at the Adirondak Loj.

For more information or to sign up, contact Matt Maloney at 518-523-3480 Ext. 20 or interpret@adk.org