Saranac Lakes Wild Forest

Located within the beautiful Adirondack region of Saranac Lakes Wild Forest, the Trail Volunteer program provides opportunities for individuals and groups to help protect public lands, ecosystems, and biodiversity while supporting safe and enjoyable outdoor recreation experiences for visitors.

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 Saranac Lakes Wild Forest area. Volunteers play an important role in helping reduce littering impacts, protecting biodiversity, and preserving 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 trails, beaches, parking areas, and recreation sites for hazardous conditions or environmental concerns.
• Helping reduce the negative impacts of littering on wildlife, ecosystems, and water quality.
• Painting trail gates and assisting with light stewardship or maintenance projects.
• 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.

The Forester of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has identified several high-use recreation areas within Saranac Lakes Wild Forest that receive significant visitor traffic during the spring and summer seasons. Volunteers are encouraged to help monitor and check these locations multiple times throughout the month, including during and after major holidays, to help reduce littering and environmental impacts.

High-Priority Stewardship Locations

• Lake Clear Beach
• Middle Saranac Lake Beach
• Hotel Pond
• Little Green Pond
• Indian Carry
• Floodwood Road

Because the area becomes extremely busy during the spring and summer months, volunteers are encouraged to check trails and beach areas regularly, especially following high-use holidays including:

• Memorial Day
• Independence Day (July 4th)
• Labor Day

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 Saranac Lakes Wild Forest including trails, beaches, recreation areas, public access locations, trailheads, and shoreline areas commonly visited by the public.