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ADK's Summit Steward ProgramSummit Steward Logo

Since 1990, the High Peaks Summit Steward Program has been a partnership of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK), the Adirondack Nature Conservancy and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Summit stewards educate visitors about the rare alpine ecosystem that is found on only 16 of the highest peaks in the state.

Many of the alpine plant species that live on these summits are rare or endangered; all are susceptible to foot traffic. Summit stewards educate hikers to help preserve these fragile plants. Above tree line, summit stewards define the trail by erecting rock cairns and rock walls and painting blazes. During the peak hiking season (mid-June through Labor Day Weekend), summit stewards provide full time coverage on Mount Marcy and Algonquin, the highest peaks in the state. Summit stewards spend time talking to hikers on other Adirondack High Peak summits such as Mount Colden and Wright Peak.


Hiker approaching the summit of Wright Peak

Summit stewards have made over 260,000 visitor contacts since 1990. With thousands visiting this area every summer, education is a vital part of responsible recreation and stewardship. Volunteers can expand coverage and help carry out special projects. (Interested? See below.)

Funding for the Summit Steward Program has been made possible in part through the generosity of the 46er Conservation Trust and the Department of Environmental Conservation. Other contributing donors are the Forty Sixers, Campmor, The Mountaineer of Keene Valley, the Waterman Alpine Stewardship Fund, and Vasque.

Summit stewards

Above, a hiker approaching the summit of Wright Peak in the Adirondack High Peaks Region.

Right, the 2009 summit stewards (l to r): Lynn Metcalf, Rocio Fernandez, Seth Jones, Grace Vajda, and Coordinator Julia Goren. Below, a summit steward educates visitors about alpine plants.

 

 

Interested in becoming a summit steward? Click here for the job posting or here for an application.

For more information on the Summit Steward Program, call 518-523-3480 or click here.

Check out the new edition of the Adirondack Alpine Summits Field Guide by Nancy Slack and Allison Bell.

Find out about other ADK volunteer opportunities.