Photo by Eric Adsit

Welcome. We’re glad you’re here!

The Adirondack Land Trust's Next Generation Council was founded in 2021 to bring together volunteers in their 20s and 30s with an interest in conservation to serve as ambassadors and advisors. 

The Next Generation Council advances Adirondack Land Trust's mission to forever conserve the forests, farmlands, waters, and wild places that advance the quality of life in our communities and the ecological integrity of the Adirondacks.  

  • Learn more about the areas in which we'll work to make the biggest difference in the next five years in our 2025–30 Strategic Plan. 

We are accepting applications for the next three-year cohort and seeking people around the ages of 20–40 who want to contribute perspectives, professional and lived experiences, and energy toward inclusive, lasting conservation in the Adirondacks. 

Meet the Next Generation Council

Our members bring community knowledge, creative practice, cultural perspectives, and experiences that reflect the many ways people relate to the Adirondacks. 

The Next Generation Council is made up of up to 21 individuals who care deeply about the future of the Adirondacks. We work closely with the land trust’s staff and Board of Directors to shape conservation in the Adirondack Park and across the region.

What We Do

The Next Generation Council supports the Adirondack Land Trust’s mission in several ways, including: 

  • Providing expertise and community-rooted insight to support the land trust’s work and strategic plan. 
  • Hosting events, outings, and outreach that welcome and engage diverse audiences. 
  • Building relationships and partnerships that expand support for land and water conservation in the Adirondacks. 
  • Providing insight into issues of diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. 

Here are a few examples of the council’s past projects and events: 

  • Leading a fundraiser to support access to Adirondack Land Trust preserves by selling 3×3” stickers featuring a council member’s artwork for $5. Buy yours here! 

Frequently Asked Questions

This may be a great opportunity if you: 

  • Are between the ages of 20 and 40 
  • Are open to learning about and contributing to inclusive conservation 
  • Want to apply your lived or professional experience, community knowledge, or background to conservation in a way that ensures the Adirondacks benefits all people 
  • Can commit the time and energy to be an engaged volunteer for a three-year term. 

The Adirondack Land Trust’s work is primarily funded through donations from private individuals. The Next Generation Council asks members to support Adirondack Land Trust’s annual fund as they are able to. 

We value leadership in many forms, including community organizing, creative practice, cultural knowledge, advocacy, caregiving, and lived experience. No prior experience with nonprofit boards or conservation organizations is required to join the Next Generational Council.  

We seek candidates with lived or professional experience in these areas: 

  • Conservation fields such as forestry, farming, water, or land management 
  • Fundraising and development 
  • Marketing and communications 
  • Volunteer and community engagement 
  • Education and programming for children and adults 
  • Outdoor recreation 
  • Arts and creative expression 
  • Technology 
  • Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility 
  • Healthcare and human/social services 
  • Finance, law, business, or entrepreneurship 

This is a general overview, not a mandatory list. If you are passionate about conservation in the Adirondacks, we encourage you to apply. 

Next Generation Council members are asked to: 

  • Actively support and advance the land trust’s mission. 
  • Serve a three-year term, with the option to renew for a second three-year term. 
  • Attend a virtual meeting in January and in-person meetings held in May and August in the Adirondacks. 
  • Participate in virtual committee meetings, usually between one and four meetings per year depending on committee. 
  • Communicate with staff and council members via email between meetings. 

This is an unpaid volunteer position. In-person meetings are typically four hours, followed by an optional field trip, and may require time away from work or school. The Adirondack Land Trust supports participation through travel reimbursement if needed and providing campsites or lodging in a staff member’s home if needed. 

As a Next Generation Council member, you will: 

  • Get to know land trust staff, board members, and fellow council members. 
  • Gain professional development through exposure to governance, and mission-driven work. 
  • Learn about land and water conservation in the Adirondack region. 
  • Attend in-person gatherings in various parts of the Adirondacks. 
  • Develop leadership, collaboration, and community-building skills. 
  • Play a meaningful role in expanding support for conservation among the future leaders and supporters of this movement. 

How to Apply

The Next Generation Council does not currently have any openings. Please contact Adirondack Land Trust Philanthropy & Outreach Coordinator Kathy Woughter at if you would like to be notified when applications open in 2027.

Please contact Adirondack Land Trust Philanthropy & Outreach Coordinator Kathy Woughter at .