irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $1.39MHOSPITALITY:ADK PROVIDES UNIQUE LODGING EXPERIENCES AT THE ADIRONDACK LOJ, HEART LAKE WILDERNESS CAMPGROUND AND CABINS, AND JOHNS BROOK PROPERTY. THESE FACILITIES ARE TUCKED AWAY IN THE HIGH PEAKS WILDERNESS AREA, ONE OF THE WILDEST AND MOST REMOTE PLACES IN THE NORTHEAST. PROVIDING A VARIETY OF LODGING OPTIONS, INCLUDING THOSE FULLY ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL PERSONS, ACCOMPLISHES ADK'S MISSION OF RESPONSIBLE RECREATION. THESE FURTHER REDUCE PRESSURE ON THE BACKCOUNTRY OF THE HIGH PEAKS WILDERNESS AND PROVIDE ACCESS FOR THOSE WHO MAY NOT HAVE DEVELOPED THE SKILLS NECESSARY FOR BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING.
- #2 $1.82MEDUCATION:ADK PROVIDES EDUCATION PROGRAMMING AND EXPERIENCES FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES. ADK'S SCHOOL OUTREACH PROGRAM WORKS WITH FOURTH GRADERS FROM TWELVE ADIRONDACK ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS TO TRANSFORM STUDENT LIVES BY BRINGING THEM TO THE OUTDOORS AND THE OUTDOORS TO THEIR CLASSROOM. OUR PROGRAM HAS THREE COMPONENTS: CLASSROOM VISITS, JOURNALS, AND FIELD VISITS. ALL ARE DESIGNED IN CONJUNCTION WITH TEACHERS TO HELP MEET CLASSROOM GOALS AND ARE ALIGNED WITH NEW YORK STATE LEARNING STANDARDS. THIS PROGRAM IS DONOR AND GRANT FUNDED AND OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE TO SCHOOLS. ADK'S OUTDOOR SKILLS WORKSHOPS AND GUIDED HIKES TEACH RESPONSIBLE RECREATION AND SKILLS TO HELP RECREATIONISTS MEET THEIR GOALS. CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE OALL PROGRAMS TEACH LEAVE NO TRACE OUTDOOR SKILLS AND ETHICS AND SAFE BACKCOUNTRY TRAVEL. ALL PROGRAMS ARE LED BY NYS LICENSED GUIDES. ADK IS ONE OF TEN NATIONAL PROVIDERS OF THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF LEAVE NO TRACE TRAINING.
named programs · 6 · from sources
What they call their work
Adopt a Lean-to
Volunteer program where individuals or groups adopt and maintain backcountry lean-tos, including cleaning, register replacement, and problem reporting
Lodging at Adirondak Loj, Heart Lake, and Johns Brook Lodge
Provides accessible lodging and camping options in the High Peaks Wilderness to support responsible recreation and reduce backcountry pressure
Outdoor Skills Workshops and Guided Hikes
Teaches Leave No Trace principles, safe backcountry travel, and outdoor skills through guided outings led by NYS-licensed guides
School Outreach Program
Free outdoor education program for fourth graders from twelve Adirondack elementary schools, including classroom visits, journals, and field trips aligned with New York State learning standards
Trail Stewards
Volunteer program focused on trail maintenance including clearing blowdowns, maintaining drainages, and reporting needed repairs to DEC foresters
Volunteer Summit Stewards
Program that protects alpine plant communities on High Peaks summits by educating hikers, conducting trail work, and supporting research
activities · 11 groups
What they do
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Onsite & Outreach Environmental Education Programs 2 activities
- Conduct school outreach for elementary studentsRuns a school outreach program for fourth graders from twelve Adirondack elementary schools, featuring classroom visits, educational journals, and field trips aligned with New York State learning standards.
- Deliver outdoor education workshopsOffers over 200 annual workshops and educational programs, including beginner paddling, overnight backpacking, and earn-a-patch challenges, as well as guided canoe paddles with naturalists and specialized events like moth programs.
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Environmental Policy Advocacy & Litigation 1 activity
- Engage in public policy advocacyAdvocates for the protection of the Adirondacks through public policy action and community engagement initiatives focused on public lands and water, helping secure $10 million in funding for regional natural resources.
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Nature Preserve Management and Public Access 1 activity
- Operate Summit Steward program to protect alpine habitatsRuns the Adirondack High Peaks Summit Stewardship Program, which educates hikers and protects fragile alpine ecosystems on New York’s high summit peaks. In 2020, stewards educated over 20,600 hikers and contributed to the conservation of rare alpine plants.
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Managed Campground and Retreat Operations 1 activity
- Operate outdoor lodging and camping facilitiesOperates lodging facilities including Adirondak Loj, Heart Lake Wilderness Campground and Cabins, and Johns Brook Lodge, providing accommodations and supporting outdoor education and recreation.
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Organized Community Cycling Events 1 activity
- Organize guided outings and chapter eventsOrganizes guided outings, cycling events, and volunteer opportunities through regional chapters across the Adirondacks, Catskills, and greater Albany area, including events such as a five-day cycling trip on the Adirondack Rail Trail.
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Snowmobile Trail Maintenance & Safety 1 activity
- Produce High Peaks Conditions reportProvides a daily High Peaks Conditions report to support safe and responsible recreation planning in the Adirondacks.
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Recreational Trail Development and Maintenance 1 activity
- Protect trails and habitats through stewardshipBuilds and maintains sustainable trails, performs trail infrastructure repairs (including bridges), clears blowdowns, maintains drainage, and conducts volunteer-led lean-to maintenance and visitor register replacements. In 2025, completed 7,296 hours of trail work.
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Camp Volunteer Engagement & Facility Stewardship 1 activity
- Provide on-site campground supportProvides on-site support at Heart Lake Wilderness Campground by greeting campers, explaining rules, and assisting staff.
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Free Public Access Nature Sites 1 activity
- Provide outdoor gear and parking servicesRents bear canisters, trekking poles, maps, and other gear at the High Peaks Information Center and manages parking fees to support trail maintenance and education, with daily and half-day rates and discounted options for members.
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Guided Outdoor Expedition Programs 1 activity
- Provide personalized trip planningOffers personalized, online trip planning sessions led by New York State licensed guides and staff to support backcountry adventures.
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Uncategorized 2 activities
- Publish maps and guidebooksProduces and publishes maps and guidebooks related to outdoor recreation and natural history in the Adirondacks, including the first edition of the Guide to Adirondack Trails, Northeastern Section.
- Support volunteer trailhead stewardshipDeploys volunteer trailhead stewards to educate visitors, promote safety, communicate organizational mission, and report issues at key access points, including Hurricane Mountain where they also educate on fire tower significance and Leave No Trace practices.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$5.57M
Contributions & grants$2.67M48%
Program service revenue$2.09M38%
Investment income$120K2%
Other revenue$691K
expenses
Total expenses$5.62M
Program expenses75%
Admin / overhead17%
Fundraising8%
Salaries & benefits$3.61M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$7.96M
Cash$896K
Investments$2.13M
Liabilities$2.06M
Net assets$5.90M
Liquid reserves6.5 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -0.1%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JULIA GOREN | INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $114K |
board members · 11
- ANDREW WEINBRECHT — DIRECTOR
- CATHERINE FORBES — DIRECTOR
- CHAD KILBOURNE — VICE PRESIDENT
- DR PETER PETTENGILL — DIRECTOR
- ERIK GREGORY — DIRECTOR
- JEN KRETSER — DIRECTOR
- KATE HACKER — SECRETARY
- MARK QUACKENBUSH — TREASURER
- MICKEY ORTA — PRESIDENT
- PAUL LEINWAND — DIRECTOR
- WILLIAM BILL BROSSEAU — DIRECTOR
relationships · 23
Who they work with
- Adirondack Park Lobby Day Coalition — Participates in advocacy efforts through Adirondack Park Lobby Day in Albany.
- Adirondak Loj Chapter Network — Regional chapter supporting the Heart Lake Program Center by identifying key projects and initiatives.
- Albany ADK Partner — Local chapter providing outings, skill building, advocacy, and stewardship opportunities.
- Albany-Schenectady Chapter Network — Regional chapter leading outdoor activities in the greater Albany area, Catskills, and Adirondacks.
- Algonquin Chapter Network — Regional chapter representing the Plattsburgh region.
- Binghamton Chapter Network — Regional chapter representing Binghamton.
- Black River Chapter Network — Regional chapter creating an ADK community in Jefferson and Lewis Counties, including the eastern Lake Ontario shoreline and the western edge of the Adirondacks.
- Cold River Chapter Network — Regional chapter organizing activities in central Adirondack Park, from Chestertown to North Creek and north to Long Lake and Newcomb.
- Finger Lakes Chapter Network — Regional chapter representing Ithaca and Elmira.
- Genesee Valley Chapter Network — Regional chapter representing Rochester.
- Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter Network — Regional chapter representing Glens Falls, Saratoga, and surrounding areas.
- High Peaks Information Center Partner — Provides gear rentals, trail information, and serves as a key access point for hikers on ADK property.
- Katydid Kayla Partner — Led an educational moth program in partnership with ADK during National Moth Week.
- Laurie Schweighardt Partner — Contact person for legacy giving and other giving options.
- Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics Partner — Partner organization in delivering Leave No Trace Master Educator courses and promoting outdoor ethics.
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Government — Receives trail condition reports from ADK volunteers to guide state-led trail project planning.
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Partner — Collaborates with ADK on the Adirondack High Peaks Summit Stewardship Program.
- New York State Government Government — Engages with state-level policymakers in Albany to influence conservation policy.
- Nine Pin Cider Partner — Corporate partner supporting the Adirondack High Peaks Summit Stewardship Program through a decade-long partnership.
- North Woods Chapter Network — Hosts the ADK Fall Outing event in partnership with the Adirondack Mountain Club.
- The Nature Conservancy - Adirondack Chapter Partner — Co-founded the Adirondack High Peaks Summit Stewardship Program with ADK and DEC.
- local fourth graders Partner — Collaborates with local elementary school students to provide first hiking and outdoor education experiences.
- regional chapters Network — Regional chapters organize local outdoor and conservation activities under the ADK network.
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Behavioral Change Through On-the-Ground Educationmethodology: leave_no_trace_educationBy delivering Leave No Trace principles and backcountry safety training during guided experiences and at high-use sites, the organization reduces environmental impact, because real-time education shapes visitor behavior more effectively than passive signage or pre-trip materials.
- Civic and Policy Advocacy for Land Protectionmethodology: civic_engagement_for_conservationBy mobilizing members to engage in public advocacy at local and state levels, the organization influences policy decisions that protect wild places, because collective civic action amplifies conservation outcomes beyond on-the-ground efforts alone.
- Community-Based Conservation Engagementmethodology: community_chapter_modelBy organizing through regional chapters and local communities, the organization builds networks of outdoor enthusiasts who are more likely to engage in volunteering, advocacy, and responsible recreation, because localized social structures increase ownership and sustained participation.
- Experiential Education for Stewardshipmethodology: experiential_educationBy combining recreation with education and volunteer action, the organization fosters a deeper public connection to nature that leads to long-term stewardship behavior, because direct experience increases personal responsibility and engagement.