This summer, I had the opportunity to work with Champlain Area Trails (CATs), a non-profit organization based in Westport, NY, in the Champlain Valley region of the Adirondacks. CATs’ mission includes four central pillars: to save local land, create and maintain trails, promote economic vitality, and connect people to nature. Throughout my Fellowship, I conducted maintenance on the vast trail network under CATs’ domain, met numerous community members involved in the project, and conducted research in the Essex Quarry Nature Preserve on invasive species mitigation and native plant growth. My work on the trails and within the community has not only made nature more accessible to a diverse group of people, but it has also provided vital support to a non-profit organization facing limited capacity due to recent funding cuts.
Despite much of my time being spent mowing, string trimming, and lopping, my impact on the Champlain Valley region expanded far beyond the trails, as my involvement with the Adirondack Garden Club, as well as my research project in Essex Quarry, has left a profound impact on the area. The quarry is commonly used by families in and around the town of Essex, but it is riddled with invasive species- particularly Buckthorn- which are rapidly overtaking the unique limestone woodland environment. In order to combat these invasive species, I helped the garden club remove Buckthorn, cover the stumps with buckthorn bags to reduce regrowth, and replant native species in an effort to restore the natural beauty of the quarry. Additionally, I conducted research on buckthorn removal, building off the findings of last year's Field School Fellow, Peter Biss, who investigated various buckthorn mitigation strategies, finding that buckthorn bags are the most effective method of removal. My research focused on the impact of these methods and tactics on native plant growth, finding that buckthorn bags are not only the most effective method of removal, but that they also allow for the most regrowth of native species. The Adirondack Garden Club will continue my work after the summer, removing invasives and replanting native species to protect the environment.
Through my work with CATs, I have gained deep insight into the operations of non-profit organizations regarding the importance of volunteer work and community connection. Due to their limited staff, CATs places great emphasis on volunteer involvement, hosting many events including volunteer days, trail openings, and open houses to accommodate for the capacity implications of being a non-profit organization. However, due to the demographics of Westport and the surrounding areas, volunteering is plentiful, as an older demographic provides many retirees who are looking for opportunities to work. Additionally, a significant portion of locals own large properties, leading to their care and investment in protecting the environment. However, this can lead to issues regarding easements and property lines, further increasing CATs’ connection to the community, as many of their trails cut through and go along privately owned land.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have experienced working and living in such a unique and remote environment. Through my experience, I have not only learned extensive amounts about nature and trail maintenance, but I have also been given the chance to explore an immensely different environment, gaining insight into the inner workings of non-profit organizations and how businesses are able to be successful despite being situated among seasonally affected low populations. Additionally, I have gained knowledge and awareness regarding biodiversity and conservation, which can be applied to my continued pursuit of environmental research. Being given the opportunity to conduct my own individual research was an amazing experience that will be very beneficial to my future research endeavors. After spending two months with a non-profit organization, I have found a new internal desire to continue working closely with the community and maintaining an intimate connection with nature. — Theo Hauptman ’27