Everyone quickly finds their own reason to love the Adirondacks. The beauty of primeval forests, pristine streams, abundant wildlife. The feeling of standing in a place untouched by time. The quickening of your pulse when you think of the mountains, trails, and adventures. Or maybe it's the feeling you get that you are simply "home" when you get there and sad when it's time to go because you are leaving part of yourself behind. Ask some of the people who come back year after year -- what draws them to this part of New York -- and watch their faces as they tell you. It captures your heart...and touches your soul.

The Binghamton Chapter is located in southern New York, just minutes from the Pennsylvania border, midway across the state. We have a variety of outings planned this year, and we are working to expand our activities as the club and our membership grow.

We hope you will contact us to find out how you can become a member of our group, plan and lead a trip or outing, participate in community education and volunteer opportunities, or just come and enjoy the wonders of the Adirondacks with us.

Be part of the fun -- and the solution!

Why I Adopted a Lean-to

"One of my most cherished memories of time spent with my son during his teen years was hiking the Northville-Placid trail together.

At the end of each day we looked forward to resting at our destination lean-to, and really appreciated those lean-tos that were well cared for. Our Northville-Placid hike gave us a rich experience, which moved us to adopt a lean-to and help provide a better experience to future hikers.

I've been a lean-to adopter for over 10 years and always enjoy my trips to Silver Lake Lean-to, preparing it for a season of new Northville-Placid hikers that will stop at 'my' lean-to!"

Ken Jackson

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Since it's inception in 1985, the ADK Adopt a Lean-to program has continued to be a great success in helping to maintain Adirondack Park lean-tos. In 2008 alone, 170 people were involved in maintaining 150 lean-tos.

Adopters visit their lean-to twice a season to perform basic maintenance and clean-up duties, maintain registers, and note major repairs needed. Volunteers can also work with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to perform more extensive repairs, such as replacing roofs and other structural components.

• General Duties of Lean-to Adopters.

• Lean-tos adopted in 2009.

• Lean-tos up for adoption are listed in the March/April issue of Adirondac Magazine and on the www.adk.org site.

Several of our local Chapter members are Lean-to adopters. If you would like to chat with them about their experiences and learn more about becoming an adopter, too, contact Ken.

Or, for more information from the ADK organization on the Adopt a Lean-to program, contact John Schneider, Lean-to Adoption Coordinator, 6 Nonchalant Drive, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Is your favorite State Park going to be open in 2010? Learn about planned park closings and changes in services offered.

ADK is on facebook! To find them, go to: http://www.facebook.com/AdirondackMountainClub or use the link on the left side of our home page.

Upcoming Outings!

• June 12, Chapter Late Spring Outing and Picnic
  Leisurely nature walk along Susquehanna River, picnic, paddling, kayak demo. `
• June 13, Twin and Indian Head Mountains
  Day trip to the Catskills.
• June 19, Howland Island - Paddle or Hike (By Montezuma Wetlands)
  Howland Island is near Port Bryon off the NYS Thruway near Auburn. It is a DEC Wildlife area of over 3,000 acres surrounded by the Seneca River and Erie Canal. There are approx. 19 miles of trails on the island and numerous ponds for wildlife and birds. Here's a map.
• June 25 - 27, Mid-Hudson ADK Chapter Trails Fest -- We're invited!

Updates

• Action Alerts / Conservation Updates / ADK Pressroom
• Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act signed into New York law May 28, 2010
• ADK Testimony to the New York State Assembly, Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation Hearing: Oil and Natural Gas Drilling
• NY DEC releases draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement for horizontal drilling and high-volume fracturing to develop the Marcellus Shale (Released 9/30/3009)
• ENVIRONMENTAL: State Increases Wood Restrictions
• NY DEC Temporary Road Closures

Suggestions?
Have an idea for an outing or special event you would like to suggest? Have a topic for one of our monthly meetings? Have some great ideas for improving our club? Just drop us a note.