The Stewardship and the Conservation Revolution

As the forests disappeared and the cities expanded, Americans began to realize that their country needed care. New York State created the Adirondack Forest Preserve in 1892, beginning a conservation movement that has protected millions of acres of wilderness and laid a path for land stewardship. The Adirondack Park Agency and dozens of local land conservancies now protect large tracts of land for the enjoyment of the public. The Lake George Association and several watershed associations mobilize local citizens to watch out for the health of the lakes,rivers and streams. The Lake Champlain Basin Program and Darrin Fresh Water Institute bring modern science to bear on maintaining the water quality of the waterways. Stories of private people whose hard work saved these resources for everyone’s enjoyment inspire the next generation of land stewards.