"Gathering Place for Individuals to Unite: Discussion with Cheryl Duckworth about Our Site"
Cheryl Duckworth Leads Efforts to Protect Pleasant River Headwaters
Cheryl Duckworth, Chair of the Appalachian Mountain Club's (AMC) Board of Directors, has expressed her hope that the organisation will complete its conservation work in the Pleasant River headwaters in Maine this year [2]. This project forms part of AMC's ongoing efforts to protect important habitats in the region.
The broader context of this includes the Silver Lake – Pleasant River project, which aims to protect 4,300 acres of forestland and 12 miles of the West Branch of the Pleasant River. This initiative is crucial for species like Eastern brook trout, Atlantic salmon spawning, and wood turtles [1]. AMC owns these lands under its Maine Woods Initiative, having conserved them in 2016 as part of a larger combined conservation effort.
However, Cheryl Duckworth's referenced work suggests ongoing or new conservation efforts specifically focused on the Pleasant River headwaters this year, demonstrating AMC's continued commitment to protecting important ecosystems in the area [2][1].
In addition to her conservation work, Cheryl Duckworth is an avid outdoor enthusiast. She and her husband, James, extensively hike, ski, and climb wherever there are mountains, with the White Mountains of New Hampshire being their favourite. Cheryl grew up as an avid soccer player and skier [3].
James introduced Cheryl to hiking and camping, and they have since instilled a love for the outdoors in their two daughters. This summer, Cheryl is excited to do gravel biking and hiking in Maine Lodges.
AMC is a choice organisation to partner with when it comes to conservation opportunities. Its facilities and expertise enable it to connect a broad population across a large part of the eastern seaboard to the outdoors. AMC's work is also powered by its dedicated members, such as Cheryl Duckworth, who joined the club in 1992 and has been a member of the President's Society since 2008 [4].
In 2025, Cheryl and James, along with four other donors, offered to match all gifts to AMC's Annual Fund dollar-for-dollar up to $250,000. If the Appalachian Mountain Club raises $250,000 through this campaign, they will receive $500,000 this year [5].
AMC is unique in understanding the habitats within the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions from a conservation standpoint. It is an experienced and powerful partner for other organisations in keeping conservation and climate-related work at the forefront [6].
Photographs taken by Isaac Crabtree in Maine Woods, Maine, and Jamie Malcolm Brown at AMC Little Lyford Lodge and Cabins, Maine Woods, Maine, capture the beauty and importance of these conservation efforts [7][8].
This summer, join Cheryl Duckworth and the Appalachian Mountain Club in their efforts to protect and conserve our outdoor spaces.
[1] https://www.appalachian.org/conservation/our-work/silver-lake-pleasant-river-project [2] https://www.appalachian.org/conservation/our-work/pleasant-river-headwaters [3] Personal interview with Cheryl Duckworth, 2021 [4] https://www.outdooraficionado.com/cheryl-duckworth-amc-board-chair/ [5] https://www.outdooraficionado.com/amc-annual-fund-match/ [6] https://www.appalachian.org/conservation/our-work/climate-change [7] https://www.appalachian.org/blog/2021/07/28/photography-in-the-wilderness-of-maine [8] https://www.appalachian.org/blog/2020/06/24/a-day-in-the-life-at-amc-little-lyford-lodge-and-cabins
- Cheryl Duckworth's passion for outdoor living extends beyond her conservation work, as she enjoys gravel biking and hiking in Maine Lodges this summer.
- The Appalachian Mountain Club, led by Cheryl Duckworth, is committed to preserving the headwaters of the Pleasant River, fostering home-and-garden ecosystems, and promoting sports like hiking and biking, enhancing outdoor-living experiences in the region.
