Most of Miner Institute’s educational outreach is in the animal science, dairy science, equine science and environmental science realms. Students interested in history and museum studies can apply for the Burke History internship, added to the lineup of paid summer internships for college undergraduates several years ago. It is rare that an opportunity for mentoring students in the trades comes along. Our maintenance team recently had that opportunity with some local high school students replacing a roof on a cabin at the Flat Rock property.
The Altona Flatrock is home to what is known locally as the “Million Dollar Dam” because that is the estimated investment that William Miner made when he began construction on the project in 1911. The project was completed in 1913 and produced power until 1922 when it was abandoned due to leakage and issues with the generator.
Additionally, the Altona Flat Rock is a unique ecosystem that provides ample learning opportunities for students in the Applied Environmental Science Program and for independent research projects conducted by SUNY Plattsburgh undergraduate and graduate students.
A cabin situated by the dam was built in the 1960s and serves as a classroom space. A small addition off the back side of the cabin had a roof that needed replacement. Adam LaCount and Bryan Daniels from our maintenance team worked with six seniors from the building trades program at CV-TEC to replace the roof.
The old roof was taken off, and a new roof was framed and built. The students had to measure and figure out what materials were needed. The students took turns using saws and other tools. Adam recounted how he and Bryan were able to teach them how to use the saws properly.
The worksite was treated like a traditional job site, and Bryan and Adam had the students help to do a proper cleanup at the end of each workday. Students even brought some of their own tools with them each day. It was a great opportunity to give the students some hands-on experience.
Adam and Bryan both agreed that it would be great to work with CV-TEC students again on future projects.