Looking back: 2024 Northeastern Alpine Stewardship Gathering

Back in October of 2024, over 100 stewards, scientists, educators, writers, poets, and adventurers gathered in the heart of the White Mountains for the 13th Northeastern Alpine Stewardship Gathering. Hosted by the Appalachian Mountain Club, this biannual event celebrated some of our region’s most wild and remote ecosystems, featuring a rich lineup of discussions and presentations.

The gathering explored a range of topics, from scientific research on climate change, restoration, education, stewardship, and reflections on the meaning of wild(er)ness. Highlights of the weekend included:

Mardi Fuller’s keynote address on the social barriers to alpine stewardship, inspiring stewards and land managers to broaden and diversify our community of nature protectors.

Steve Tatko, AMC’s Vice President of Land, Research, and Trails, providing an overview of forest management practices in Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness region.

Liam Ebner from the Adirondack Mountain Club receiving the Emerging Steward Award for his dedicated work in New York’s High Peaks and his rediscovery of purple crowberry on Mt. Mansfield, a species once thought extirpated.

Despite snow, ice, and wind, field trips to the Crawford Path, Franconia Notch, and the Mt. Washington Auto Road provided insights into climate change research, phenology plots, and trail restoration techniques.

Reflecting on the event, Laura Waterman shared: “What made me happy and seemed to break ground was the more than full house—the place was buzzing—and the number of women, young women. All that stood out for me.”

A huge thank you to the Appalachian Mountain Club staff for making this event a success, and to our sponsors: The Nature Conservancy, World Trails Network, Dartmouth’s Citrin GIS lab, Burgeon Outdoor, Maine Mountain Collaborative, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Mahoosuc Land Trust, and VT Ecostudies. Photos by Kevin Berend, Alicia DiCocco, and Jason Mazurowski.