Posted on Apr 15, 2005

Walter Hatke, May I. Baker Professor of Fine Arts, restored a 10- by 12-foot relief map of the Adirondacks created between 1945 and 1952 by noted naturalist Paul Schaefer. The map is a central element of the education program at the Center for the Forest Preserve in Niskayuna. Hatke found paints to match the original colors, and used topographic maps to redraw streams and other features lost when plaster had chipped. Hatke, who donated his time, was asked to take on the project by Carl George, professor of biology emeritus and a trustee at the Center. The Center is operated by the Association for the Preservation of the Adirondacks. A copy of the map is at the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake.