Located along the rugged Franconia Ridge — one of the most spectacular and ecologically sensitive areas in the White Mountains — this alpine environment above treeline supports a rare and fragile ecosystem under constant pressure from thousands of hikers each season. Just to the east lies the Crawford Path, the oldest continuously maintained hiking trail in America, recently adopted by Pan American Trails.

Summit Stewards are part of an interdisciplinary team dedicated to enhancing the visitor experience and protecting these high-elevation landscapes through education, research, monitoring, and trail stewardship.

Summit Stewards work under the direction of the Chief Summit Steward, collaborate with International Trails Fellows, and assist in supporting students enrolled in the five-week Binghamton University field semester (early July through early August). This role places particular emphasis on public education, field-based research, academic engagement, and ecological monitoring.