MAINTAIN THE CHAIN
An annual volunteer event comprised of self-directed, environmentally-focused improvement projects dedicated to
preserving the beautiful lakes and watershed of the Fulton Chain of Lakes.
Maintain the Chain 2023 Event
The 3rd annual Maintain the Chain (MTC) event will be held during the 4th annual Adirondack Water Week - August 5-13, 2023. Registration for the 2023 MTC event is NOW open!
Free long-sleeved T-shirts for registered MTC participants (limit 5 per team).
Start planning your self-directed projects now. Check out the MTC resource page for project ideas.
EcoArts Festival
An EcoArts Festival, with hands-on environmentally focused arts and science projects for all ages, will be held at View Arts Center in Old Forge, NY on August 5, 2023, between 10am - 2pm. Organizations from around the Adirondack Park will be in attendance including the Fulton Chain of Lakes Association, Adirondack Council, Adirondack Watershed Institute, Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District, Raquette Lake Preservation Foundation, ADK Action and more!
Isabella and Nolan Boon began sprucing up the area around their Fourth Lake camp more than a decade ago. What began as a family tradition has evolved into a widespread clean-up event dubbed Maintain the Chain. The event not only focuses on maintaining the beauty of the Fulton Chain of Lakes but the entire Adirondack Park, as well.
Bernie Hoffman, a wildlife educator, and her Canada Lynx, Max, will be attending the MTC EcoArts Festival. Come join us and learn about the importance of protecting our spectacular wildlife.
Learn more about our event on the registration page.
Winner 2022 MTC "Best Project" Award
Luis Mikelsons from Fourth lake completed, not one, but three self-directed projects. He visited an Adirondack Watershed Institute boat washing station, conducted water clarity measurements using a Secchi disk, and cleaned the lake front around his camp. Congratulations Luis for a well-deserved honor!
Thank you to all of our participants for making the 2nd annual MTC event a huge success. See additional photos of self-directed projects submitted by our 2022 MTC participants!
Maintain the Chain 2022 Participants
Secchi Disks
Water clarity is an indicator of the impact of human activity on our lakes. If water clarity is measured throughout the season and from year to year, trends in water clarity can be observed. Diminishing water clarity can signal an early warning sign that human activity is negatively impacting the health of our lakes. MTC 2022 self-directed projects included obtaining water clarity measurements along the Fulton Chain of Lakes using Secchi disks created for our participants to share. View the measurements obtained by our participants on the map below. Read a short report summarizing our participants' Secchi disk results as well as a spreadsheet that reviews the analyzed data.
Adirondack Water Week
The weeklong regional event is a collaborative celebration of our freshwater resources and our precious watersheds. It is meant to raise awareness of water-related issues, recognize the value of water to our region's economy and environment, and highlight ways that people can protect our waterways. MTC is thrilled to partner with AWI to help protect the lakes and watershed of the ADK park.
The Adirondack Council, founded in 1975, is committed to protecting the ecological integrity and wild character of the Adirondack Park. MTC is grateful and proud to partner alongside the Adirondack Council in our mission to preserve the Fulton Chain of Lakes and the Adirondack Park.
By clicking the donate button, you will be redirected to the LivingADK website. Follow the instructions to donate and THANK YOU for your support! Please visit our MTC Donation page for additional information, as well.
Be prepared. Check out the weather before venturing out on the lake, on a hike or to complete an MTC self-directed project.
The FCLA was founded in 1968 with a mission to protect the waters of the Fulton Chain of Lakes in New York's Central Adirondacks. MTC was founded by the Boon family and members of the FCLA in 2021 with the goal of engaging the community in an effort to protect the lakes and watershed of the Fulton Chain of Lakes in New York's Adirondack Park.
Fulton Chain of Lakes Association membership.
Sponsors, Supporters, and Endorsers of the Maintain the Chain Event
Fulton Chain of Lakes Association
Town of Webb
Town of Inlet
Adirondack Council
Adirondack Watershed Institute (of Paul Smith’s College)
Sixth and Seventh Lakes Improvement Association