Cortney Koenig Worral, the Executive Director of ADK visited us and answered questions about the past, present and future of ADK. A few highlights from her presentation:

  • Cascade Center: financially not viable because of not being able to provide food services; large renovation and maintenance requirements beyond the means of the club. Consequently, put up for sale, but no buyer yet. 
  • The club will move to mostly digital communication, such as by email, Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/adkmtnclub) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/adkmtnclub/) and a new website.  This will allow for more timely and frequent communication with members.  At the same time the glossy, expensive print magazine will be reduced to only one edition per year. 
  • The club needs to attract younger members who will become the next generation of leaders. If you know a young person who loves the outdoors, encourage them to become a member if they are not already. They can join by going to https://members.adk.org/members/get-involved/membership.aspx. 
  • There is a great need for Outings Leaders at all levels. If you are an avid hiker/paddler we encourage you to consider becoming a leader by getting certified. For more information go to the certification page at adk.org or contact our Outings chair, Debbie Van Ryn at dmvanryn@gmail.com. 
  • Short term goals: Financial stability; reduce high staff turnover; reestablish food service at the Adirondack Loj at Heart Lake.
  • Long term goals: get young people excited about ADK; advocacy for the Adirondacks and the environment; grow education programs; address deferred maintenance at club properties and make them resilient to extreme weather.

The second part of the meeting consisted of a presentation by Dan Yacobellis, a certified animal tracker. He focused on the role tracking has and still plays in the life of humans from their early days as hunter and gatherers to today. Identifying animal tracks requires observation and understanding of nature, whether as a hunter, wildlife photographer or as someone who simply enjoys the outdoors. He encouraged us to observe and draw conclusions from our observations. Dan runs the Tamakoce Wilderness Programs.