ABOUT US
Our Story: How It All Began
In 2006, James Sullivan took his first camping trip in the Hudson River Recreation Area, part of the Lake George Wild Forest in Lake Luzerne, New York. Known to locals as Buttermilk and Bear Slides, the area’s natural beauty was unforgettable—but so was the impact of human activity. James was heartbroken to witness litter scattered across the ground, spray paint defacing rocks and trees, and vehicles driving over fragile vegetation.
Despite these challenges, James continued camping in the area with his mother, her boyfriend, his sister, and her husband. Their love for the forest only grew stronger with each visit. Determined to make a difference, James reached out to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) around 2013. He shared his story and expressed his desire to start a nonprofit that could help clean up the area and protect its natural resources.
A few weeks later, a DEC forester contacted James and introduced him to the DEC’s Volunteer Stewardship Agreement (VSA) program. James signed the agreement that same year, formalizing his commitment to environmental stewardship.
On November 29, 2013, Morgan Duke Conservation Society was officially incorporated in New York State. In 2014, it was granted 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, becoming a recognized nonprofit organization. That same year, on May 18, James, his family, and a Forest Ranger completed the organization’s first project—planting trees in areas below Stone Mountain and beyond.
What began as one camper’s heartbreak became a mission to protect, restore, and inspire stewardship of the Hudson River Special Management Area and beyond.
One sunny afternoon, James Sullivan and his mother were standing on the beach island at Darling Ford in the Hudson River Recreation Area. The river was calm, the sky clear, and the day seemed perfect for enjoying the beauty of nature.
James was standing in the middle of the beach when something extraordinary happened. A Great Blue Heron suddenly emerged from the trees and began walking slowly across the sand—carefully, almost as if it were tiptoeing—straight toward him. It showed no fear. Step by step, it made its way until it stood just a few feet from where James stood, frozen in place, not daring to move.
As he looked down, James saw something that hit him hard: the heron was standing on a crushed soda can.
This proud, graceful bird—so wild and majestic—had stepped right onto a piece of human trash. It paused and looked around at the beachgoers nearby, almost as if silently asking, “Please don’t destroy my home.”
After a few moments, the heron flew over to a large log lying along the shoreline. It settled there peacefully—until a group of young adults came too close, trying to provoke it. James was furious. He couldn’t understand how anyone could treat such a rare and beautiful animal with such carelessness.
That experience left a deep impression on him.
A few weeks later, while tubing down the Hudson River, James spotted what appeared to be the same Great Blue Heron standing on that same beach island. As he floated by, the heron looked up—and then it spread its wings and flew directly over his head.
To James, it felt like a moment of recognition. As if the bird remembered him. As if it was saying thank you—for seeing it, for caring, and for standing up for its habitat.
Moments like this are why James founded the Morgan Duke Conservation Society. They remind us that nature is always speaking—we just have to slow down and listen.
What makes us different?
Our volunteers gain valuable experience by working alongside Foresters and Wildlife Managers.
We do not lobby—we focus on hands-on environmental stewardship.
Volunteers choose their own schedules, making it easy to get involved.
Our Leadership Team, Board Members, and Volunteers are 100% unpaid—driven purely by passion and purpose.
Where We Work
Leadership Team

Mary Walker ADK Conservation Fund
Mary Walker was a passionate conservationist, a dedicated Director of Community Outreach, and a valued Board Member of the Morgan Duke Conservation Society. She was also the mother of the Society’s founder, James Sullivan. Together, Mary and James spent many summers camping in the Adirondacks, particularly in the town of Lake Luzerne. During these trips, they met with local businesses to raise awareness of environmental conservation and the mission of the Society.
Mary was especially devoted to educating others about the vital role trees play in supporting a healthy environment and improving air quality. Her advocacy inspired many Lake Luzerne businesses to get involved in local conservation efforts.
A lifelong resident of Lake Luzerne, Mary grew up on Old Stage Road and held a deep personal connection to the Hudson River Recreation Area. Her love for the region helped shape James’s vision for the organization.
In April 2023, Mary was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. With incredible strength and courage, she continued to support the Society until her passing on September 27, 2023. Her loss was deeply felt across the organization and the broader community.
To honor her memory and enduring impact, the Morgan Duke Conservation Society established the Mary Walker ADK Conservation Fund. This fund supports projects that reflect Mary’s values—protecting natural ecosystems, preserving wildlife habitats, and organizing community cleanups within the Hudson River Recreation Area.