Green paint splash on a white background with rough edges.

Hamilton County Envirothon

Teams of high school students take tough, science-focused tests and battled for first place at the annual Hamilton County Envirothon held each May.  Natural resource experts write and proctor exams in categories including Aquatics, Soils, Wildlife, Forestry, and Current Issues.  Teams hike the Adirondack Ecotrail to each station, and work together to complete exams.  Testing blocks are 20 minutes, and students get hands on experience with field components like identifying tree species, analyzing soil permeability, and recognizing wildlife tracks.  Presenters review the answers to their exams, then teams hike to the next testing station.  Teams are awarded certificates, and the first place team goes on to compete at the New York State Envirothon. 

Check back for information about the 2026 event.

Four women in bright pink shirts discussing a map in a wooded area.
Gray silhouette of a car against a green background.
Group of children outdoors with a banner under a tree in autumn.

Conservation Field Day

The Lynn Galusha Memorial Conservation Field Day is hosted every September for fifth and sixth grade students.  Kids hike the Adirondack Ecotrail to 6 stations where they learn about a variety of natural resource topics from the local experts.  They come armed with graphic organizers, clip boards, and pens to take notes that they later use to write essays and craft posters.  The essay and poster contests focus on the topic that, in each student’s opinion, best conserves Hamilton County’s natural resources.  Judges rank the submissions, and District staff schedule awards ceremonies to honor students’ creative work. 

2025 Event
September 18, 2025
Information to follow

Green paint splash on a white background with rough edges.

Presentations

District staff collaborate with lake associations, municipalities, civic organizations, and libraries to develop presentations on high-interest topics.  Subjects include lake monitoring data, invasive species, watershed protection, and green infrastructure. Special topics available upon request.

Gray silhouette of a car against a green background.

School and Youth Program

District educators will work directly with teachers or youth leaders to facilitate place-based, hands-on field experiences for your students. Lesson plans can be developed to match Next Generation Science Standards. Topics include water quality, sediment and erosion control, invasive species, and much more. Special topics available upon request.

Group of children posing with a large outdoor skeleton art project in the woods.
Green paint splash on a white background with rough edges.
Sunlight filters through tall trees in a serene forest clearing.

Adirondack Ecotrail

Hike, ski, or snowshoe the Adirondack EcoTrail year round. The trailhead is located behind the District office in Lake Pleasant. This multi-use trail is open 365 days a year. District staff groom the trail during the winter months. The Turkey Hill and Turkey Hill Extension trails should by enjoyed by intermediate to advanced skiers as terrain is steep and wooded. Guided hikes are available for students and organizations.