Stewards explain and demonstrate why responsible recreation is important – from the importance of not littering to staying on the trails. While each location has its specific needs, the common thread is natural resource protection, public awareness, and education. Without the stewards, the Catskills' forever wild spaces are in danger of being trampled or otherwise damaged because of the increasing number of visitors. When stewards are not on site (such as on their days off), they notice increased litter, rock dams and rock stacks, and user-created trails beginning to wind through forest floors. Stewards help interpret the Catskill Park, provide information on alternative areas to visit, and offer directions to local communities and businesses, which, in turn, helps the local economy.

To learn more about the Catskill Center’s Catskill Stewards Program, go to catskillcenter.org/catskillstewardsprogram.