Photo by Derek Rogers
In 1984, our founders saw a need for a private land-saving group focused on places that make the Adirondack Park function not just as an intact ecosystem but as a place that supports communities.
Since our beginning, the Adirondack Land Trust has worked to protect the farms, forests and other lands and waters that have the power to make people, communities and the planet healthier.
A few highlights from our history:
Milestones
Improving Hiking Access
Adirondack Land Trust works with community partners to improve hiking access to Cobble Hill, in Lake Placid.
Supporting Farmers
Photo by Erika Bailey
A new position, farmand specialist, is created to support farmers and farming communities; 6,377 acres of agricultural lands protected to date, providing beef, milk, apples hay and other products.
Accreditation
ALT achieves Land Trust Alliance accreditation, the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence.
Stewardship is Forever
Photo by Bill Brown
The Fred M. and Walker D. Kirby Land Stewardship Endowment is established to fund perpetual care of farms and forests under conservation easements.
Glenview Preserve Established
Photo by Kathy Woughter/ALT
Glenview Preserve is established to protect a beloved view of the McKenzie Range between Saranac Lake and Paul Smiths
Punkeyville State Forest Created
Photo by Larry Master
Punkeyville State Forest created in partnership with New York State and Tug Hill Tomorrow, and named by Forestport Elementary School students.
Living Shorelines
Photo by Patrick Bly
Wild shoreline protected on Lows Lake, Cranberry Lake, the St. Regis Lakes, Little Charley Pond and other waters.
Mike Carr Takes the Lead
Photo by Lisa Godfrey
Mike Carr becomes executive director, leading ALT’s growth into a force for land protection throughout the Adirondack Park.
50-km Trail Network
Photo by Jess Grant
ALT partners with Black River Environmental Improvement Association to ensure permanent protection of its community-oriented 50-km trail network.
Family-friendly Hiking
Photo by Doug Munro
Coon Mountain Preserve established in the town of Westport. Family-friendly hiking on a 378-acre sanctuary bursting with spring woodland wildflowers.
Land Protects Water
Photo by Jess Grant
ALT purchases a mile of wild shoreline on Lake George, the largest private Adirondack conservation investment to date, to protect the lake’s water quality.
Agricultural Conservation Award
Photo by Carl Heilman II
American Farmland Trust gives ALT an Agricultural Conservation Award for its work to protect Champlain Valley farmland.
Protecting Farmland
Photo by Bill Brown
ALT begins protecting farmland with conservation easements.
Relationships
Photo by Ken Aaron
Tim Barnett becomes executive director, building relationships on unbounded enthusiasm for the Adirondacks and its people.
A Blueprint for Conservation
Photo by Kathy Woughter/ALT
Conservation planner George Davis and associate director Tom Duffus publish a blueprint to guide land trust work nationwide.
Private Forever Wild
Photo by Elizabeth McLanahan
Adirondack Land Trust creates one of the first private conservation easements in New York State, keeping a pond and surrounding forest forever wild.