The Azure Mountain Friends (AMF) organized in December 2001 to “save” and then restore the Azure fire tower erected in 1918. The Friends formed upon learning that the DEC planned to remove the tower from the Azure summit.  Not wanting this significant local landmark to be lost, a committee of volunteers joined together and signed an Adopt-A-Natural-Resource Agreement with the DEC (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation) which allows the Friends to serve as the “steward” for Azure Mountain. Initially, AMF operated under the auspices of the Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH).  In August of 2006, the Azure Mountain Friends became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

AMF is comprised of people from many communities in northern New York who share a love for Azure Mountain.  In all seasons of the year, AMF members enjoy the views and the breezes, the trail work, the volunteer interpreting, the blueberries, the companionship and the solitude, the snowshoeing and the rain showers, but most especially the commitment to maintain and protect the Azure Mountain fire tower and its environment.    

 As the “steward” for Azure, AMF performs the following tasks:

1. Maintain and improve the tower, trail, and parking lot for safe public use. Informal volunteer work days occur during the warmer months of the year.
2. Protect the summit environment through educational awareness and preventive soil erosion strategies.
3. Develop and maintain an educational component that highlights the mountain’s human history and natural features. Azure Mountain Friends Scholarships have been created to encourage the involvement of area teens in helping us to fulfill our educational mission. (See "High School/College Interpretive Scholarship Program" for more information)
4. Place “volunteer” interpreters on the summit on spring, summer and fall weekends and holidays.  (Check "Summit Volunteer Program" for more information)

We welcome your interest; if you would like additional information on volunteering, scholarships, or have general questions about AMF or Azure Mountain, please contact us.

Mike & Joe with the ADK trail crew, June 20, 2009.	BOARD of DIRECTORS
	Mike McLean, Chair	83 Gulf Road Colton, NY 13625
	Joe Berner, Vice-Chair	173 Regan Road Potsdam, NY 13676
	Jeff Balerno	Forest Ranger – DEC Region 5
	Ron Chorba	Winthrop
	Duncan Cutter	Nicholville
	Sandra Hildreth	Saranac Lake
	Carolyn & Gene Kaczka, Treasurer	Hannawa Falls
	Tom Ortmeyer	Potsdam
	Ernie Parker	St. Regis Falls
	David Petrelli	Malone
	Wendy Wais, Secretary	Brasher Falls
	Debra White	Canton