With Wilderness A NewsLEtter FROM the Adirondack Mountain Club
NEW!
publication from
Meet Cortney Worrall, ADK’s Executive Director Johns Brook Lodge CENTENNIAL SUmmer Highlights
A LETTER FROM Cortney Worrall One of the most important things ADK does is work in the community. From classrooms to trailheads to summits, our staff meet people of all ages where they are. This boots-on-theground approach continues to be one of ADK’s greatest opportunities to be a force for good. Through a combination of local lived experience and advocacy work at all levels of government, we can continue to bring about the best outcomes for ADK and New York State’s wild lands and waters.
I have greatly enjoyed getting started as the new Executive Director at the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK). As I soak it all in, I continue to be impressed by the depth and vastness of the organization’s reach. ADK’s programs, name recognition, operational complexity, and unique role as a steward and advocate are unparalleled. I very much look forward to getting to know all of you, our chapters, members, and partners. While doing so, I recognize the legacy of ADK’s multifaceted leadership. It is you—the donors, volunteers, members, chapters, board members, and staff—who have sustained your passion, time, and resources for ADK recently and over decades. Without that commitment, ADK wouldn’t be what it is today. Similar to many nonprofits ADK stands in the midst of unprecedented
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changes taking place locally and nationally. At the top of the list are refocusing and evaluating ADK’s vast operations by closing the Cascade Welcome Center for the season, addressing the worsening impacts of climate change, and better understanding the untapped expectations of younger generations —the people who are ready to fall in love with ADK in new ways, and with the same passion as long-time supporters. You will start to see changes in the coming months, including Adirondac magazine frequency, social media and digital outreach to new audiences, preparing properties for extreme weather, and a renewed commitment to members and chapters who have witnessed and sometimes endured transformations started more than five years ago.
longer a given. At a national level we see decision-makers overwhelmed by the blind desire for short-term economic gain, bringing unthinkable threats to public land. For this reason, ADK will be even more committed to advocacy. What can you expect in the months and years to come? First and foremost, we will ask you to join us to push for legislation that protects the Adirondacks, and we will ask you to help us fight bad legislation and decisions that will harm the Adirondacks. Your voice will matter more than ever. Please let us know your thoughts and comments by sending a letter to PO Box 867, Lake Placid, NY 12946 or an email to support@adk.org. I look forward to hearing from you!
Yet, counting on protected lands to be there in perpetuity is no
COVER: Mount Jo, Brendan Wiltse | PRINTED ON UNCOATED PAPER: Less energy, fewer chemicals, easier to recycle.
Q&A WITH Cortney Q: There’s a lot of
uncertainty about how federal budget cuts are going to impact state funding. What is ADK doing to prepare? ADK is continuing to push state legislators to fully fund the Environmental Protection Fund, infrastructure, and the salaries of state-level staff who play a crucial role in keeping the Forest Preserve beautiful. We’re also continuing to reach out to private philanthropy to support the organization and make up for what is likely going to be a loss in government support for some of our work. Now more than ever, it’s important for people to be very vocal about environmental funding. Reach out to every member of Congress and state government to tell them how much environmental funding means to you,
because federal cuts will affect the state. Even with funding cuts potentially on the horizon, what ADK does will not fundamentally change, but we need your support.
Q: What else would you like readers to know?
One big change you may notice right off the bat is the publishing schedule of Adirondac magazine. This is certainly a shift, but we’re confident we’ll be able reach more people more effectively with the same quality content through regular newsletters and an annual magazine.
This is an excerpt from a longer interview with Cortney. Read the full interview in our next issue of Adirondac magazine.
Adirondack Mountain Club MISSION STATEMENT ADK works to protect New York’s wild lands and waters by promoting responsible outdoor recreation and building a statewide constituency of land stewardship advocates. LOCATION Heart Lake Program Center 1002 Adirondack Loj Road Lake Placid, NY 12946 RECREATION AT HEART LAKE ` High Peaks Information Center ` Heart Lake ` Mount Jo ` ADK’s Van Hoevenberg Trailhead ` Hiker Parking Lot ` Family-friendly Trails LODGING & FOOD ` Adirondak Loj ` Wilderness Campground ` Heart Lake Cabins ` The Hungry Hiker Executive Director: Cortney Worrall cortney@adk.org President: Mickey Orta board@adk.org Communications: 518-739-0065 support@adk.org Loj: 518-523-3441, ext.1 loj@adk.org
Hiking Catamount | Photographer: ADK Staff
HPIC: 518-523-3441, ext.121 hpic@adk.org Membership: 518-668-4447, ext. 214 membership@adk.org Gifts and Estate Planning: 518-668-4447, ext. 211 lauries@adk.org Advocacy Office: 518-556-6671 cathy@adk.org General Inquiries: 518-668-4447 info@adk.org ADK Online Store: ADK.org/shop ONLINE AT ADK.ORG
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Johns Brook Lodge CENTENNIAL
Trails, Tales, & Togetherness by David Lynch
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ADK would like to thank all the volunteers, visitors, stewards, and staff past and present who have helped make Johns Brook Lodge (JBL) a gem of the High Peaks over the past one hundred years. As the only backcountry lodge in New York State, it holds a special place in the hearts of many, from firsttime Adirondack hikers to experienced backpackers completing their 46. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed a fantastic celebration of JBL’s hundredth anniversary. On July 4, 1925, JBL opened to the public, providing a basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts who wanted to explore the High Peaks. One hundred years later to the day, several dozen people made the 3.5-mile trek from the Garden parking lot and gathered at JBL to celebrate a century of trails, tales, and togetherness. We could not have asked for better weather—mostly sunny skies with temperatures in the upper 60s. The celebration featured a timeline of the property’s history, barbecue dinner cooked up by the 2025 hut crew, and a keynote speech delivered by Tony Goodwin, longtime editor of ADK’s High Peaks Trails and former JBL crew member. Goodwin shared several legendary JBL stories—of Mel Hathaway, the hermit who inhabited the property when it was purchased by ADK; of Nubbins, the stubborn hut burro; and of his experiences working at JBL (see “JBL’s Merry Pranksters” in the Spring 2025 issue of Adirondac magazine for one of those stories).
Johns Brook Lodge Staff 2025 | Photographer: David Lynch
In Case You Missed It Join us for one last celebration of Johns Brook Lodge’s centennial! WHEN: Saturday, October 25, 2025 1–3 p.m. WHERE: Adirondak Loj Enjoy a self-guided history timeline, hear guest speaker Tony Goodwin, and meet ADK’s new Executive Director, Cortney Worrall, and Board President, Mickey Orta. We’ll celebrate with community, conversation, and cake! RSVP by October 10 at ADK.org/JBL100
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National Trails Day 2025
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participants 13 ADK staff & 27 volunteers
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ADK’s story begins with trails. The organization’s first major project was the construction of the Northville-Placid Trail, which now spans an impressive 138 miles. More than one hundred years later, trail building, stewardship, and outdoor recreation remain fundamental to the mission of ADK. Our professional trail crew is New York’s premier wilderness trail work program, building and maintaining sustainably designed trails throughout the Adirondacks. We teach others the fundamentals of sustainable trail building through our many volunteer trail work projects and inspire the next generation of stewards through teens-only trails programs. Our collective dedication and passion for preserving trails is perhaps best expemplifed on National Trails Day, an annual event where volunteer and professional trail workers come together to give back to the trails we all treasure so that they can be enjoyed for generations to come. This year, ADK’s National Trails Day projects were based primarily in the Johns Brook Valley to coincide with JBL’s centennial. With beautiful spring weather, a fantastic turnout, and support from our wonderful new sponsor, every spot was filled, and the day was a resounding success.
patrol crews managing projects and improvements
10
miles of trail maintained
42 blowdown removed
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Proudly sponsored by Northstar Recycling through the Northstar Sustainability Fund
Summer Highlights ADK Honored by the Adirondack Council ADK was recognized by the Adirondack Council at their 50th Anniversary Celebration at Silver Bay on Lake George. It was a special moment of partnership, and a reflection of the decades of hard work and dedication we’ve all contributed to advancing conservation and advocacy in the Adirondacks. Thank you to Cortney and Mickey for being on-hand to represent all ADK, past and present.
Way to go, Tim, for being an outstanding steward & educator on the trail! “Tim was super friendly and knowledgeable. He shared information about the plants on the mountain and the unique alpine conditions that support their growth.” — Algonquin Hiker
I stayed at JBL under the service and protection of Matt/Nat/ Zach... two food drops, a brilliantly simple milk crate system, and a lot of heart. After a full-on Saddleback-GothicsSawteeth-ArmstrongUpper Wolfjaw day, I arrived to warm food and warmer company. On my way out I met another staff member (whose name I didn’t catch but know you’ll recognize) — just as friendly and enthusiastic. I also crossed paths with stewards, Forest Rangers, and other ADKers doing great work. As a native Indiana boy, I’ve never experienced a place so wild and pristine. You’re doing something very right.
– Mark E., Indiana
From the Field: Environmental Education Coordinator Kayla Beck spends the day atop Mt. Jo as a Summit Steward, engaging with local children and sharing the importance of protecting our mountains.
I’ve been going to the Adirondacks for over 60 years, and this was the first time we’ve encountered a helpful guide at an entrance. Ian was great and full of information and ideas. I hope you can keep this program going!
– Peg Foley, Giant Mountain Visitor Kids play in Johns Brook during the dog days of summer
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NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S.POSTAGE
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Adirondack Mountain Club PO Box 867 Lake Placid, NY 12946
ALBANY, NY PERMIT NO. 918
Essential ReadS from ADK Discover the beauty, history, & spirit of the Adirondacks with two timeless ADK publications: The Adirondack Reader, Third Edition — A rich collection of writing spanning four centuries, capturing the wild heart of the Adirondacks through the voices of explorers, naturalists, and storytellers. ISBN
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Northville-Placid Trail Guide — Your must-have companion for exploring the legendary 138-mile trail, whether you’re planning a day hike or the full thru-hike. Add these Adirondack classics to your collection today and let the trails and stories inspire your next adventure. Available now at ADK.org/shop
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