Hudson River Special Management Area

Located within the southeastern portion of the Adirondack Park, the Lake George Wild Forest is one of the most popular recreation areas in the Adirondacks due to its scenic landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and proximity to major population centers and Lake George.

The 72,508-acre Lake George Wild Forest is part of the Adirondack Forest Preserve and includes forests, trails, campsites, shorelines, and public recreation areas on both sides of Lake George.

The Hudson River Special Management Area, also known as the Hudson River Recreation Area or “Buttermilk,” is a 5,550-acre recreation area located along the eastern shore of the Hudson River within the Lake George Wild Forest. The area includes hiking trails, campsites, hand launches, beaches, scenic overlooks, and public recreation access points.

Morgan Duke Conservation Society, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, maintains a Volunteer Stewardship Agreement with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to assist with stewardship and conservation efforts throughout the area. Volunteers help reduce littering impacts, protect biodiversity, and preserve the natural beauty of the forest ecosystem for future generations.

Trail Volunteer Duties

Trail Volunteers may assist with:

• Hiking trails while picking up litter and debris.
• Monitoring beaches, parking areas, campsites, hand launches, and recreation sites for litter and stewardship needs.
• Helping reduce the negative impacts of littering on wildlife, ecosystems, and water quality.
• Painting trail gates and assisting with light stewardship or maintenance projects.
• Planting trees at approved locations authorized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Volunteer Stewards.
• Reporting safety concerns, damaged infrastructure, or environmental issues to Volunteer Stewards.
• Supporting a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for visitors.
• Working independently or alongside other volunteers.

Because the area becomes extremely busy during the spring and summer months, volunteers are encouraged to help monitor and check stewardship locations multiple times throughout the month, including after major holidays, to help reduce littering and environmental impacts.

Focus Stewardship Areas

Primary volunteer stewardship areas are located in and around Lake Luzerne within the Hudson River Special Management Area and may include:

• Parking lots
• Campsites
• Bear Slides
• Sandy beach areas
• Trailheads
• Hand launch areas
• Picnic and shoreline areas
• Darling Ford

Volunteers may also monitor surrounding recreation sites and public access areas for litter, safety concerns, or environmental impacts.

Volunteer Schedule & Flexibility

Volunteers may serve on weekends or weekdays depending on their own schedule and availability. Participants may volunteer:

• Individually while working independently.
• Alongside friends, groups, or other volunteers.

Volunteering is completed at your own pace, allowing volunteers to contribute based on their comfort level, schedule, and availability.

This program is designed to provide flexible volunteer opportunities for people with varying schedules and availability.

Qualifications

No prior experience or special skills are required.

Volunteers should be willing and able to:

• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Walk or hike on uneven terrain for extended periods.
• Follow safety guidance and stewardship instructions.
• Respect public lands, wildlife, and fellow visitors.
• Represent stewardship efforts in a professional and courteous manner.

Who Can Volunteer?

Anyone is welcome to volunteer, including:

• Individuals
• Families
• Middle school students
• High school students
• College students
• Community groups
• Clubs and organizations
• Outdoor enthusiasts

Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteers may receive the following benefits through participation:

• Opportunities to gain new experiences and stewardship skills.
• Ongoing support from Morgan Duke Conservation Society and Volunteer Stewards.
• Training materials and safety resources.
• Free supplies and equipment needed to conduct volunteer work.
• Workers’ Compensation coverage through the State while participating in approved volunteer activities.
• Opportunities to meet other volunteers and support conservation efforts within the Adirondack region.
• Access to a volunteer portal where volunteers may record and track their volunteer service hours.
• Opportunities to help collect stewardship data by tracking the amount of litter removed from public lands. Volunteers will be provided with a small handheld scale to help document and record how many pounds of garbage and debris were collected during volunteer activities.
• Volunteers will be provided with free supplies needed to complete stewardship and litter cleanup activities.

Location Where Work Will Be Performed

Volunteer work will primarily take place throughout areas of the Hudson River Special Management Area and surrounding portions of the Lake George Wild Forest including trails, campsites, beaches, shoreline areas, parking areas, trailheads, recreation sites, and public access locations commonly visited by the public.