Keene Farm Modernised

Editor's note: This article and photographs on the modernization of the Keene Farm was generously provided by Luc Massicotte, the president of Keene Farm inc. This version is translated from Luc's original article in French.

The Keene Farm is the only hut the ACC operates that is located outside of Canada. This farm with a large cabin and camping facilities gives access to rock and ice climbing and many other outdoor activities in the Adirondack Mountains of New York state, two hours south of Montreal. Keene Farm is operated by the Montreal Section and is reserved directly through them rather than the ACC national office.

The Montreal Section’s Keene Farm property offers lodging to members and an ideal meeting spot for outdoor pursuits right in the heart of the Adirondacks. Hut and group rentals provide an important source of revenue for us to continue maintaining and improving the site.

As usual, the Keene Farm Committee has been busy in 2015. Our two annual chores, which can actually be a lot of fun, allowed us to improve the hut’s interior and surroundings. These ongoing tasks attract 20 to 25 members and non-members to pitch in and help every year.

Break time for the volunteers – Photo by Luc Massicotte.

Capturing the Power of the Sun

2015 marked the arrival of green electricity! We’ve installed four solar panels on the roof. They have a total capacity of 245w, convert the energy into 12v, and voilà! Let there be electric light! Since its implementation on November 1, this system offers a reliable light source and considerable cost savings on propane gas and lamp mantles, not to mention reducing the risk of fire.

Some may say this initiative might be a little less romantic, but no one will miss the horrible smell of the old gas lamps! Reducing greenhouse gasses in exchange for green energy is another good justification.

The new panels – Photo by Luc Massicotte.

Interior Redesign

We’ve made other improvements such as rearranging the rooms and adjusting access to the second floor, making the hut even more spacious. We can now accommodate larger events such as training programs, celebrations and conferences—activities we’ll dedicate more time to in coming years. We also completely redesigned the kitchen to offer groups more room to prepare meals on newly installed counters.

On the second floor, you’ll find a new area fitted with bunk beds, offering even more comfort to members.

Outside, we’ve updated the courtyard in white cedar, there’s a new water pump, 15 new picnic tables, and two new dry toilets, giving the place a whole new look.

The new outhouse – Photo by Luc Massicotte.

Don’t forget that the local’s trail and the Amazone Graig climbing school’s routes are also there for you to use and enjoy!

Trail sign representing our commitment to taking care of the property – Photo by Luc Massicotte.

Finally, it’s volunteers who complete most of the ongoing renovations and maintenance and it’s thanks to them that we’re proud to be well-known and respected. We’re keeping this philosophy alive with new new projects planned for 2016: a new hut floor, complete firewood autonomy, and the re-opening of a second trail.

Looking forward to see you there!

Luc Massicotte, président ACC Keene Farm Inc.

Join the ACC today

The ACC operates the largest network of backcountry huts in North America. The Keene farm is our only hut located in the United States and is operated directly by the Montreal section. Becoming a member allows you to access all of our huts at a discounted rate and to book well in advance.

Join and volunteer with the ACC today and enjoy all the benefits, including this luxurious hut operated by the Montreal Section.

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