Self-Directed Improvement Projects

What are Self-Directed Improvement Projects?

  • You decide on a project for the MTC event.

  • Choose a project that is important to you.

  • The project can be an individual or a team effort with an environmental focus.

    • Remove litter and debris from the shoreline or lake bottom.

    • Collect trash along the roadside, at campsites or on hiking trails.

    • Educate yourself or others about an environmental issue by creating a poster or video.

    • Visit an Adirondack Watershed Institute steward. Observe and learn about controlling the spread of aquatic and terrestrial species that threaten our lakes and land.

    • Learn about the dangers of harmful algal blooms (HABs).

    • Learn how to assess water clarity using a Secchi disc.

    • Educate yourself and others on threats to ADK wildlife. Learn how to protect our loons.

    • Create a poster or video demonstrating why you "Love the Lakes" (great project for younger children). Visit the Old Forge Library and read about protecting our lakes. The Fulton Chain of Lakes Association generously donated funds to the Old Forge Library to purchase books about lakes to educate children about the environment. Share what you learn with others.

  • See photos of our 2021 MTC Participants for project ideas.

  • Helpful Resource Material for planning your project.

  • Important Safety Checklist (please read).

  • Won't be in the Adirondacks during the MTC event week. You can still participate. Complete a self-directed project anytime throughout the summer when it is convenient for you.

  • Don't live close to the Fulton Chain of Lakes. You can still participate. MTC is meant to benefit the entire Adirondack Park. Feel free to conduct your self-directed, environmentally focused project anywhere within the Adirondack Park.

Submit project descriptions and photos to maintainthechain@gmail.com

  • Gifts of appreciation will be distributed to participants for creative and exceptional effort.

  • A “Best Project” award will be presented at the FCLA Annual Meeting. The winner(s) will receive a plaque with their name(s) engraved on it. Two additional plaques housed in the Town of Inlet and Town of Webb will also be displayed with the names of yearly MTC "Best Project" award winners.

  • Please submit project descriptions and photos to be eligible for a gift of appreciation or a "Best Project" award.

  • Deadline for submitting your project descriptions and photos - August 22, 2022.


Your participation in the MTC event is at your own risk. Your decision to participate as a volunteer is made of your own free will. By registering for the event, you assume full responsibility for any risk of body injury, death, or property damage arising out of or related to the event. MTC/FCLA does not assume any responsibility or obligation to provide financial or other assistance, including, but not limited to medical, health, or disability insurance in the event of injury, illness, death, or property damage.