LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk 41 sible recreation. The program consists of three field trips: a fall hike up Mount Jo, a winter snowshoe trek around Heart Lake, and a spring mapping and explo- ration hike. Classroom lessons prepare students for these adventures, and each student receives a person- alized nature journal to integrate science, EL A, and math into a hands-on learning experience. To launch this program, ADK turned to Art Haberl, a dedicated member and donor. Haberl generously agreed to fund the initiative, requesting that it honor his late wife, Marie Lynch Haberl, an avid hiker and lover of the Adirondacks. Thanks to his support, the Marie L . Haberl School Outreach Program: Three Sea- sons at Heart Lake began as a free program for local schools in 2003 and continues to thrive today thanks to his continued support. Growing Impact When the program began, it served just one elemen- tary school in Elizabethtown. Over time, with the help of donors and an expanding Education Department, it grew to include six schools within the Blue Line and eventually reached schools in Plattsburgh and the AuSable Valley. Today, Three Seasons at Heart Lake serves 13 schools and over 420 fourth graders annual- ly. Teachers frequently emphasize the program's value. One shared, "Not enough kids that live here get to experience the outdoors. This is hugely beneficial to introduce kids to the nature around us." Another noted, "The students absolutely loved being outdoors and learning how to be a prepared hiker. We loved how map skills connected directly to math, social studies, and science standards in a hands-on approach, even EL A — poetry!" The impact is not only academic but deeply personal. For many students, these experiences spark a lasting love for the Adirondacks, blending outdoor adventure with meaningful lessons that resonate beyond the classroom. Full Circle: A Legacy of Stewardship Now in its 21st year, Three Seasons at Heart Lake has come full circle, with some of its earliest participants now adults. Many fondly recall their time in the pro- gram, with one former student, now a fourth-grade teacher, bringing his own class to participate. Remark- ably, he still has the nature journal he used during his childhood hikes. ADK staff members also benefit from leading these programs. Many have taken the skills and experiences they gained through Three Seasons and applied them in their own careers, with several going on to become classroom teachers themselves. This ripple effect en- sures that the program's values extend far beyond the Adirondack Park. Expanding Horizons: Homeschool in the Woods In addition to traditional classrooms, ADK has ex- tended its reach with a newer initiative: Homeschool Students mix hands-on learning with more typical curriculum in the ADK's Three Seasons program at Heart Lake. Photo credit: Adirondack Mountain Club

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