LAKE PLACID – Education is a vital and integral part of ADK’s (Adirondack Mountain Club) mission. Helping people learn how to recreate responsibly, developing environmental literacy and instilling an outdoor ethic helps protect New York’s public lands.

Seth Jones, manager of ADK’s Education Programs since 2012 has been promoted to education director and will be responsible for overseeing ADK’s Education Department which includes over 90 skills workshops, ADK’s Three Seasons at Heart Lake 4th Grade School Outreach Program, Leave No Trace outdoor skills and ethics education and the Adirondack High Peaks Summit Stewardship Program.

Jones has worked for ADK since 2008 first as a High Peaks Summit Steward then as the Johns Brook Lodge coordinator. He has been a part of the education team since 2012 where he focused on building and growing ADK’s high school and college student programs. Jones has also been an integral part of ADK’s communication team by developing ADK’s social media presence, managing blog content and by telling stories for the organization through his photography and videography.

“Seth Jones has a true gift for teaching people to embrace the benefits and joys of the outdoors. He has great experience in guiding people on hikes and paddles, teaching people skills that will keep them safe, protect the mountain environment and enrich their experience to last a lifetime. He has the patience and empathy to teach children to encounter our natural world and build their confidence, skills and self-esteem. He knows the jobs of each of the members of ADK’s Education team and is the ideal person to support them as Education Director. I can’t think of a more qualified individual to be ADK’s Education Director than Seth Jones,” said Neil F. Woodworth, ADK’s executive director.

“I am elated that Seth has accepted the Education Director position,” said Wes Lampman, ADK’s chief operating officer. “Likewise, the rest of the staff and volunteers at ADK are very pleased to continue working with Seth in his new role. After a decade of experience working for ADK, Seth has a rich understanding of the whole organization, especially education programs. I expect nothing but continued successes for ADK under Seth’s leadership.”

“I am thrilled to take on this role with ADK and to continue working with my amazing educational team and the rest of the staff and volunteers at ADK. This is an organization I’ve been dedicated to for the past 10 years, and I’m excited to strengthen and expand our educational programs throughout the Park and beyond. Education and promoting responsible recreation is essential to protecting the places that we love,” said Jones.

Jones holds a bachelor of science degree in conservation biology from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

He is also on the board of the Waterman Fund, an organization dedicated to fostering the spirit of wildness and conserving the alpine areas of Northeastern North America.

Jones lives in Bloomingdale.