POTSDAM -- Two talks will be given this month on the overuse of trails in the Adirondack Mountains.

Overly popular trails impact waters and mountain summits, cause trail erosion, harm rare plants and wildlife, create risks for visitor safety, and threaten the wild character and wilderness character of the Adirondack Park.

Students in Clarkson's Adirondack Semester working in partnership with The Adirondack Council have been conducting research on progressive land stewardship practices to support the Adirondack Park's world-class recreational opportunities while recognizing the overriding importance of the ecological integrity and wild character that make the region a national treasure.

Their research provides additional analysis designed to inform decision-makers on policy options for improving the management of overuse. They focus on improved definitions of overuse, comparative analyses from other areas, ethnographic hiker profiles, and arcGIS analysis of physical trail conditions, resulting in a comprehensive set of recommendations to help protect the Adirondacks.

The two talks will be held Friday, Dec. 13, from 10-11 a.m. at Moore House, on the Clarkson University campus in Potsdam, and Wednesday, Dec. 18, from 3-4 p.m. at The Nature Conservancy, at 8 Nature Way, Keene Valley 12943.