1988

• Andy Falender hired as AMC's third executive director, and the first to serve as the organization's CEO. He works with the board of directors to restructure the organization's bylaws, and begins to expand AMC's staff. AMC ends 1988 with 33,409 members and a $4.5 million endowment.

1989

• President's Society formed, encouraging annual gifts to AMC. The original goal of 100 members is reached within first year.

1990

• AMC plays a leadership role in founding the Northern Forest Alliance, which leads to the protection of millions of acres of land.
• Passage of the Maine Wilderness Act creates the Caribou-Speckled Wilderness, thanks in part to the lobbying efforts of the Maine Chapter.

1993

• AMC opens Mohican Outdoor Center in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, in partnership with the National Park Service.

1994

• AMC negotiates the Deerfield River Agreement, which becomes a national model for achieving conservation goals through the dam relicensing process.

1995

• AMC establishes strategic priorities for the next five years in rivers, trails, and greenways; community; southern region; Northern Forest; and model environmental education centers.

1996

• AMC begins monitoring ozone levels in the White Mountains.

1998

• Mohawk Hudson Chapter established.
• New York's Sterling Forest wins protection, thanks to efforts of AMC and partners.

1999

• AMC, The Wilderness Society, and the Conservation Law Foundation issue the "Mountain Treasures" report, calling for protection of roadless areas in the White Mountain National Forest.
• U.S. Forest Service issues new 30-year permit for AMC huts after extensive public process.
• AMC's Conservation Action Network (CAN) formed.

2000

• AMC completes construction of newly rebuilt Galehead Hut, designed for ADA accessibility
• AMC launches Vision 2010, setting the organization's course for the coming decade, with specific goals for trail miles, acres conserved, youth reached, and guest overnights.
• AMC endowment reaches $23 million.
• AMC creates the Alpine Stewardship Program with the U.S. Forest Service.

2001

• AMC membership exceeds 93,000.

2002

• Robbins cinquefoil removed from endangered species list after 22 years, thanks to restoration efforts by AMC and partners.
• 125th Capital Campaign exceeds goal, raising $33 million.

2003

• AMC opens the Highland Center at Crawford Notch, an outdoor program and education center with an award-winning "green" architectural design.
• AMC launches the Mountain Watch "citizen-scientist" program, enabling members and guests to measure indicators of air quality and climate change; 15,000 hikers involved by 2010.
• AMC launches the Maine Woods Initiative, the largest conservation project in AMC history, with the purchase of 37,000 acres in the 100- Mile Wilderness region and Little Lyford Lodge and Cabins.

2004

• Highlands Conservation Act signed, based on advocacy by AMC and other members of the Highlands Coalition.
• AMC develops a computer-based windpower siting model; begins work with states to encourage adoption of uniform windpower siting guidelines.

2006

• Passage of the New England Wilderness Act designates 34,500 acres of wilderness in the Sandwich Range and Wild River Wilderness of New Hampshire, and another 57,857 acres in Vermont.
• AMC purchases Medawisla Wilderness Lodge and Cabins, offers lodge-to-lodge skiing as part of the Maine Woods Initiative.

2007

• Work completed on the 39-mile Grafton Loop Trail, AMC's first major trail construction project in three decades.

2009

• AMC completes conservation purchase of 29,500-acre Roach Ponds Tract in Maine, creating 63-mile corridor of protected land in the 100-Mile Wilderness.

2010

• Cumulative number of youth served by AMC's Youth Opportunities Program exceeds 100,000; program opens an office in Harlem.
• AMC endowment reaches $50 million.

2011

• AMC launches Vision 2020, establishing four broad goals for the next decade.
• AMC opens Gorman Chairback Lodge and Cabins in Maine, including new LEED-registered "green" lodge building.
• AMC opens the newly rebuilt Madison Spring Hut, completing upgrades and energy innovations at all eight huts.
• President's Society reaches 656 members.
• Extensive "green" renovation of Noble View Outdoor Center completed.
• AMC partners with The Trustees of Reservations to lead the Bay Circuit Alliance in the completion, enhancement, and long-term care of the Bay Circuit Trail & Greenway, a 200-mile network of conserved lands in the Greater Boston area.

Photo credits (top to bottom): Lennie Steinmetz; Jerry and Marcy Monkman; Lori Duff; Doug Weihrauch