IMPACT Partners with Andover Students on Trail Shelter Project

Nestled along Trail 4 of the West Almond Trail System, a newly constructed Adirondack lean-to overlooks a quiet beaver pond fed by Phillips Creek.

Through a partnership with IMPACT: Friends Improving Allegany County Trails and the West Almond DEC Forestry Office, Andover Central School’s Environmental Technology students designed, constructed, and installed a lasting community asset for outdoor enthusiasts.

This collaborative project was supported through a variety of community volunteers and local funders. Local organizations and businesses like the Allegany County Area Foundation, Andover Hardware Store, Fassett Lane Lumber, and Eddy Lumber Co. supported this project by donating funds or supplies.

IMPACT is a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving, improving, and advocating for year-round access to Allegany County's trail systems. The organization works with volunteers and community partners to maintain public trails and expand outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the county.

Glenn Gebhard, Board President of IMPACT and one of the organization's founding members, said the project was made possible through broad community support.

“This project is the culmination of a nice cooperation between Andover Central School and some funders,” Gebhard said. “The Allegany County Area Foundation was a big funder. We received donations from the Andover Hardware Store, Fassett Lumber, and others.”

For students, this project offered an opportunity to contribute something meaningful to their community. Prior to this project being installed, there were no Adirondack shelters located along the approximately 30 miles of trail within Phillips Creek, Turnpike, or Palmer’s Pond State Forests.

Mr. Zach Owen, the Environmental Technology teacher at Andover Central School, guided students through every stage of the process — from constructing the lean-to in the school's workshop to transporting and reassembling it at Phillips Creek.

Environmental Technology is a senior-level course that introduces students to agricultural systems, construction projects, environmental stewardship, and outdoor learning experiences throughout Allegany County.

“We’ve spent a lot of time here at Phillips Creek,” Owen said. “This class allows students to explore what’s here in our area and connect with [natural] resources in our county.”

By working on a structure that will be used by visitors for years to come, students gained firsthand experience in planning, construction, teamwork, and community engagement.

Blaise Richmond, a senior at Andover Central School and student of the Environmental Technology course, noted one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience has been watching students, educators, community volunteers, and local funders work together.

“My favorite part [of this project has been] watching everybody work together,” Richmond said. “It’s been fascinating to see how a community can work together to make something like this happen.”

The shelter was constructed by the following Andover Environmental Technology students: Gabe Eveland, Vincent Joyce, Connor Igel, Peyton Graham, Peyton Chamberlain, Trey Kent, Lilly Ordiway, Skyler Orpet, Blaise Richmond, and Sam Pitts.

The Allegany County Area Foundation supported this project with a $1,500 grant from the Kendall Environmental Fund.

“This project was not possible without the help of the Kendall Environmental Fund,” Owen said. “That grant allowed this project to happen, which we really appreciate.”

Richmond echoed that sentiment, noting the importance of community investment in educational opportunities.

“I am really appreciative towards the Allegany County Area Foundation for making this [project] happen,” Richmond said. “Without [ACAF’s] help with the grant, we wouldn’t have been able to do something like this and see how well everyone could work together.”