As more and more people get out to enjoy public lands, alpine summits continue to be sought-aer hiking destinations.
Yet, these places are also home to fragile alpine plants that are sensitive to hikers' footsteps. In New York State, the
Adirondack alpine zone is the place above treeline. It is home to 27 rare, threatened, or endangered plant species. Only
173 acres of this unique ecosystem exist in New York, all located amidst the most heavily used hiking trails in the state.
e 1960s brought an influx of hikers to the High Peaks. ey sought mountain solitude but lacked the knowledge
and skills necessary to recreate responsibly. At that time, Ed Ketchledge, a botanist and professor at the State University
of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, noticed that alpine plants were getting trampled to death
and initiated a revegetation program. However, it became apparent that revegetation could only go so far, and that there
needed to be educational outreach to protect alpine plants.
In 1989, under the leadership of a team of concerned individuals and organizations, the Adirondack High Peaks Summit
Stewardship Program was created. is program is a partnership of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK), the New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Adirondack Chapter of e Nature Conservancy. Its mission
is to protect New York's alpine habitat through education, trail maintenance, and research.
From May to October, summit stewards hike to alpine summits and educate hikers on the importance of protecting
fragile soil and plants by asking them to walk only on bare rock surfaces.
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Story by Kayla White & Photography by Ben Brosseau
MEASURING
A FOOTSTEP
1971–2021
