Community involvement is at the core of the Ausable Freshwater Center's success. Every project, whether it's a large-scale river restoration, a community tree planting event, or native plant propagation, relies on the shared effort of volunteers, landowners, and partner organizations. These dedicated individuals and groups contribute their time, land, and expertise, helping AFC bring restoration projects to life and strengthening the connection between people and the environment. Together, these collaborations are ensuring that Adirondack watersheds and the communities that depend on them remain healthy, biodiverse, and resilient for generations to come.
Volunteers assist with planting in the production field at ACN. These plants will grow in the field for a season or two before being harvested and planted on a riverbank in our watershed.
Volunteers play an essential role throughout the year. From collecting hardwood cuttings in the winter to helping with propagation in the greenhouse each spring; from planting at the nursery to assisting with field restoration projects in the summer and fall, community members are deeply woven into every stage of our work. Each season brings new opportunities for engagement, and every helping hand contributes to the success of our shared environmental goals. The energy and enthusiasm of volunteers make a tangible difference, whether they are preparing soil beds, watering seedlings, or harvesting native seed. When the call goes out for help, our community shows up, ready to get their hands dirty for the sake of clean water, healthy forests, and thriving ecosystems.
Volunteers assist staff with planting acorns, the beginning of mighty oak trees that will hold stream banks in place.
While volunteering is one powerful way to get involved, AFC also emphasizes education and outreach at the Ausable Conservation Nursery. We offer tours and educational opportunities for individuals, schools, and community groups interested in learning more about native plants, local ecology, and the nursery's operations. Over the past two years, we have hosted multiple school groups, introducing students to the science of native plant propagation and the importance of watershed restoration. These visits provide hands-on learning experiences that inspire future conservationists and deepen the public's understanding of how local actions can create lasting environmental benefits. In addition, partner organizations regularly tour the nursery to exchange knowledge, explore collaboration opportunities, and strengthen regional restoration efforts.
Another way the community can participate is through purchasing native trees and shrubs grown at the nursery. We will host a public tree sale in the spring of 2026, with additional stock available throughout the growing season. These plants, which are adapted to the unique climate and soils of the Ausable watershed, can be used for a variety of planting projects, including home landscaping, stream restoration, and habitat recovery. By choosing to plant locally-grown native species, community members help extend the impact of AFC's work beyond restoration sites, creating a ripple effect of ecological benefits across the region.
Ultimately, the Ausable Freshwater Center's work is built upon the support, enthusiasm, and shared vision of its community. Each volunteer hour, each student tour, and each tree planted brings us one step closer to a healthier, more resilient watershed. The future of the Ausable River and streams throughout the Adirondacks depends on the collective care of the people who call it home, and together, we're growing that future from the ground up.
Many hands makes light work! Volunteer groups make a difference!
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