Gillian Scott, kneeling at right, on an Adirondack Mountain Club trip in 2007. The Schenectady chapter of the club is considering a merger with the Albany chapter.
Roy Keats, left, and Richard Wang use hoes to clean leaves from a water bar on the Northville-Placid Trail during a volunteer outing in 2014 with the Schenectady chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club.
For years, when someone asked me about how to get started hiking, I referred them to the local chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK). There they could find experienced outdoorsmen and women willing to share their knowledge about everything from botany to map reading to what gear is needed when. They could also meet some amazing people, make lasting friendships, and have a positive impact on the environment.
After more than 80 years in existence, though, the Schenectady chapter of the ADK — which has always been “my” chapter — may be finishing up its final days. Low engagement in both leadership roles and outdoor activities has chapter leaders considering a merger with the Albany chapter.
A membership meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday,........