Farms & Forests

Well-stewarded forests and farms are not just beautiful landscapes. These privately owned working lands play an important role in the history of the region, the ecological health of the Park, and the vibrancy of its rural communities. Farms and forests also contribute significantly to the open space character of the Park.

The Adirondack Council works to promote sustainable practices on working forests and farms, helping to preserve large tracts of privately held land. Become a member and help support this important work.

To support private land stewardship, the Council works with partners to:

• Advance the goals of the Essex Farm Institute as a program of the Adirondack Council.
• Provide micro-grants for farmers and value-added business owners to enhance the economic, human and environmental resiliency of Adirondack farms.
• Increase the acres of private Adirondack forest land where sustainable forestry standards or best management practices are followed.
• Conserve working forests and working farmland through support for conservation easements and other programs.
• Retain at least 5,000 acres of working farmland in the Champlain Valley and the greater Adirondack region.