viewshed Spring Newsletter 2017
The Lake George Land Conservancy
is an
accredited not-for-profit land trust dedicated to working with willing landowners and other partners to protect the worldrenowned water quality of Lake George and to permanently preserve the natural, scenic, historic and recreational resources of the Lake George region.
INSIDE: FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 3
Protecting Wing Pond
4-5
CONSERVATION HIGHLIGHT: 5
Land Donation in Fort Ann
5
ACCREDITATION UPDATE:
Contact us:
Standards and Practices
518-644-9673 | www.lglc.org
Indian Brook and Northwest Bay Initiative
LGLC STAFF
6-7
Helen Barton Benedict* Development Manager
Sarah Hoffman Communications & Outreach Manager
Stewardship Report; Building Resilient Trails
8
Jamie Brown Executive Director
Alexander Novick Land Steward
9
Megan Clothier* Office Assistant
Warren Rosenthal Conservation Manager
The Emotional Side of Conservation Traces, by Ruth Lamb
10
Michele DeRossi Community Engagement & Events Manager
Cornelia Wells Finance & Office Manager
Trails = Healthy Body and Mind; 11 Trails = Healthy Community
*Part-time
Hike-A-Thon 2017
LGLC BOARD OF DIRECTORS John J. Macionis, PhD President Jeffry Brozyna VP of Development Charles M. Cumming VP of Human Resources
HAPPENINGS: 14-15 Hague
Lake George Northwest Bay
Ed Becker, DVM Sabbath Day Point Robert Birchenough, MD Cleverdale John Buhac, MD Gull Bay Jennifer Waterhouse Cooper Bolton Landing JD DeSantis Bolton Landing Elizabeth Guest Silver Bay Tom Hall Diamond Point Jonathan A. Herttua Glenburnie
Judith K. Larter VP of Conservation Michael O’Reilly VP of Finance, Treasurer Tracey Clothier Secretary Debbie Hoffman Christopher LaGuardia Elizabeth Meigher George Morris Daniel Ryterband Ike Wolgin James W. Wolitarsky
Silver Bay Huletts Landing Lake George Bolton Landing Kattskill Bay Bolton Landing Pilot Knob Diamond Point Bolton Landing Northwest Bay
ADVISORY BOARD William Bixby, III Henry Caldwell Dean L. Cook, DMD David Darrin Arthur Franz John Hubbard, Jr. Mark Johnson, PhD Walter F. Lamb, Jr. Douglas Langdon, MD
2
Northwest Bay Bolton Landing Ticonderoga Hague Bolton Landing Northwest Bay Stony Point Bolton Landing Bolton Landing
viewshed: Spring 2017
12-13
James Menzies, PhD Bolton Landing Peter Menzies Bolton Landing Sandra Nierzwicki-Bauer, PhD Bolton Landing Peg Olsen Glenburnie Rosemary Pusateri Cleverdale Hugh Roberts Bolton Landing Robert Singer Ticonderoga Rebecca Smith Bolton Landing Virginia Rowan Smith Silver Bay
2017 Living Lands Series, Annual Meeting, and Land & Water Conservation Celebration
CELEBRATIONS: 15
Macionis Family Center for Conservation; John J. Macionis, PhD Get Out! Events
16
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear friends, Over the years, the land around the lake has been subject to many changes. Severe storm events have altered the historic course of streams within the Lake George watershed. Changing weather patterns have altered the way that our forests now grow. The construction of houses and roads have altered how stormwater interacts with the lake. Different wildlife, including invasive pests, have appeared within the watershed. The good news is that thanks to you, the LGLC is implementing local solutions that are having a lasting and direct impact on many of these issues. Over the past few months, the LGLC has completed transactions with two landowners to protect two new parcels (see pages 4 and 5). Though each property is distinctly different, each landowner offered similar reasons for protecting the land: wanting to ensure that the watershed of Lake George remains in its natural state in an ever-changing world. Land protection is certainly a vital component of protecting the lake from the many changes that have occurred over time; however, without the many people that are involved in our work—landowners, supporters, partners, volunteers, and many others—we could not make such a lasting and effective impact. In many cases, the generosity, hard work, and inspirational stories of many of you have brought about a change for the better and made an impact on the protection of the watershed. Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with two such people. Ruth and Sandy Lamb, long-time supporters of the LGLC, have shared their story of the love of the land, how they chose to live in a spot rich in history and wildlife, and what it meant to them in terms of their own life and their view of protecting Lake George and the land around it. Their story, printed here on page 10 and online at lglc.org, reminds all of us why this work is so important. Protecting the land that protects the lake is one of the most effective strategies to ensure that the watershed can continue to remain a special place in the face of these many changes. Accordingly, the LGLC is launching the Indian Brook/Northwest Bay Initiative to protect and restore one of the most important tributaries of the lake by working with willing landowners to protect riparian areas, stream corridors, and headwaters of this subwatershed. The Initiative will also provide new recreational opportunities, manage terrestrial invasives, and offer open corridors that allow wildlife to move between areas essential to their survival. Read more about this Initiative on page 6. We are even experiencing transitions internally, as our Board President of nearly twelve years, John Macionis, will be stepping down this summer. This organization has grown and prospered under his leadership, and I am grateful for his leadership and the positive impact that he has made on the organization and land protection within the Lake George watershed. As spring slowly takes hold, change is certainly upon us, and we are ready to face it. I am inspired by the efforts of so many people who work to make lasting, positive changes to protect this special place, and I hope that you are too. As always, thanks for all that you do to protect the land that protects the lake, and I hope to see you on the trails this summer.
Jamie Brown Executive Director viewshed: Spring 2017
3
Wing Pond In December of 2016, the Lake George Land Conservancy purchased a 159-acre property in Bolton from Clarence Linder that includes Wing Pond. The Wing Pond property includes 750 feet of a tributary that flows into Northwest Bay, and about 15 acres of wooded and open wetlands, including Wing Pond itself. The land also offers nice views of Lake George and the potential to create recreational trails connecting to the adjoining New York State Pole Hill Pond Forest Preserve. Top photo: Wing Pond Above: View of Northwest Bay in Bolton from the Wing Pond property
The protection of stream corridors is significant, as it provides a safeguard against excess storm water runoff, erosion of the stream corridor, and nutrient loading from neighboring sources of fertilizers and road salt, further protecting the lake’s water quality. According to the seller, Clarence Linder, the forest of the Wing Pond watershed has never been developed. After recovery from clear cutting long ago, the area has been maintained in a healthy state through selective logging. The 159 acres of the Wing Pond property are the last portion of the former Loins estate to be protected. The area is also along the western edge of the timber rattlesnake breeding range. When asked about the motivation for selling the property to the LGLC for conservation, Linder listed some of his favorite things about the land that he wished to be preserved, including “dozens of snowmelt fed little streams rushing down surround-
4
viewshed: Spring 2017
CONSERVATION HIGHLIGHT
Land Donation in Fort Ann The LGLC received a donation of 15 acres in the Town of Fort Ann from Susan Moody, who wanted to find a special use for the land other than logging or development, and felt that the LGLC would be good guardians of the property. The land is located on the southeast shoulder of Sugar Loaf Mountain, at the south end of the Pilot Knob ridgeline. Mostly forested, the property also contains a portion of a small stream and some vernal pools. The LGLC plans to ensure that the land remains in its natural state as the landowner intended. We also hope that her generous donation inspires other conservation-minded landowners in the area to think about protecting their land through a conservation easement or land donation. Ms. Moody and husband Alan Brown own and run The Doctor’s Inn in Saranac Lake. ACCREDITATION UPDATE
Standards and Practices
The sounds of a beaver tail slapping water, turkeys as they rustle through the woods, coyotes at midnight, dozens of little streams rushing down in April, peepers in the wetlands in May, bullfrogs in June... ing hills in April, turtles sunning on the mud flats, great blue heron wading in the shallows, the leafless grey cedar still standing on that little rock island after 60 years.” “The conservation of this land has been a priority for the LGLC for many years,” said LGLC Executive Director Jamie Brown. “It was a pleasure working with Mr. Linder on the conservation of this land that he so obviously loves and wanted to see protected.” The LGLC expects to transfer the property to New York State to be added to the adjoining Pole Hill Pond Forest Preserve.
The Land Trust Standards and Practices, drafted by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, provide guidelines on how to run a land trust responsibly. First adopted by the LGLC in 2014, these Standards and Practices were recently revised to include updates on topics such as Ethics, Mission and Community Engagement; Compliance with Laws; Board Accountability; Conflicts of Interest; Fundraising; Financial Oversight; Ensuring Sound Transactions; Conservation Easement Stewardship; and Fee Land Stewardship. The LGLC expects to adopt these revised Standards and Practices within the fiscal year. For more information about these guidelines or accreditation process, visitlandtrustalliance.org/topics/accreditation. viewshed: Spring 2017
5
Indian Brook & Northwest Bay Conservation Initiative The Indian Brook/Northwest Bay Initiative is a long-term effort designed to work with willing landowners within the project areas to acquire land and conservation easements that are vital to protecting water quality and important habitat, creating recreational opportunities, and keeping viewsheds intact. The protection of Wing Pond (see pages 4-5) is just one of many projects within the Initiative. We are currently working with a willing landowner to purchase a conservation easement on 36 acres off of New Vermont Road. This property, known as Saddlebrook, has been subdivided for development; three lots have already been sold. The easement will extinguish most of the remaining lots and protect nearly 5,000 linear feet of stream corridor and associated wetlands. Completed projects in this region include the 500-acre Amy’s Park (pictured at right), 95-acre conservation easement on Federal Hill Road, and, most recently, the 115-acre Godwin Preserve, and 130 acres purchased from SUNY Albany. All of these properties contribute to the community’s overall health, as they provide protection of wetlands and stream corridors, and increase opportunities for the public to access these beautiful lands.
The inspiration for the Initiative came from a discussion with a group of local citizens who were concerned about the health of Indian Brook. Water quality was one of the prime concerns of the group, particularly high sediment levels that have resulted in a large delta at the outlet of the stream.
properties, stewardship expenses, and transaction costs for all of these projects have an estimated total cost of $665,000. You can make a significant impact by making a donation today and joining us in this important Initiative to protect the land that protects the lake.
Studies indicate that although Indian Brook is showing some impacts from development and other human activity, the watershed is still below the threshold of containing less than 10% of impervious surface, which is an indicator of overall health. Much of the watershed’s sensitive land is currently unprotected, however, leaving water quality vulnerable.
For more information about these and other current projects, and to make a donation online, visit www.lglc.org/ land-conservation/current-projects.
To address this issue, we are working with willing landowners to protect sensitive lands while ensuring that landowners can continue to use and develop their land in sustainable ways. If we fail to act now, we may lose the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the land that protects the lake. We are actively fundraising for the protection of these sensitive lands. The purchase of Wing Pond was made possible with a low-interest loan from a conservation lender. The Saddlebrook easement, remaining loan payments on the SUNY Albany and Godwin
To support the protection of Wing Pond and future efforts in the Indian Brook/Northwest Bay area, please donate online at lglc.org or call us at 518-644-9673. Contributions of all sizes are welcome and make an impact on the protection of the land that protects the lake.Thank you!
Since 2004, LGLC efforts in the Indian Brook/Northwest Bay watersheds have resulted in:
2,376 acres protected $2.2M invested aesthetic value
6
viewshed: Spring 2017
Providing more than
$1.2M annually in Eco-Services: clean air
clean water
15 miles created of trails habitat
Indian Brook & Northwest Bay Watersheds Regions covered by the Indian Brook and Northwest Bay Brook watersheds and their tributaries, as well as lands currently protected by the LGLC and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC).
y
Northwes
tB a
Broo
k
N 9 T
R AR UM
RD
C
t Ba wes y Broo
ok
A
Saddlebrook
B
Wing Pond Other LGLC Protected Lands
E
No rth
k oo n Br dia
In
9N
F
we st
Ba y
B
RT
11
Roads LGLC Active Projects
India n
Bro
B
A
RT
Indian Brook and NW Bay Tributaries
h N or t
D
A
Indian Brook and NW Bay watersheds, combined
k
PA DA N
MAP KEY:
Tongue Mountain
C
Amy’s Park
D
Godwin Preserve
E
SUNY Albany
F
Federal Hill Easement NYS DEC Lands
A
High Nopit NYS Easement
B
Pole Hill Pond Preserve
Stewardship Report
By Alexander Novick, LGLC Land Steward
Summer is almost here, and though field work never stops for snow or the cold of winter, I am anxious to spend more time out on our preserves. This year’s focus will be on cleaning up the landscape, whether it be decades-old dump sites, or our ongoing crusade against terrestrial invasive plants.
After the success of last year’s multi-day effort to remove invasive honeysuckle at Cook Mountain, we’ll be doing it again, starting June 5th. Volunteers are needed and welcome to join me any day that week to cut and pull honeysuckle along the trail, which will allow for native species of plants to emerge.
Acquiring land is just the first step in what is a perpetual obligation to protecting the land that protects the lake. It is our goal to make sure that the land represents how we feel about our environment. We strive to reach a healthy balance of biodiversity while creating a sustainable watershed for our beloved Lake George.
Other invasive plants we are targeting are Japanese knotweed, which is scattered among our preserves, and common reed (aka Phragmites) which can be found around most wetlands within the watershed. Most invasive species work is tedious, backbreaking, and time consuming, but is a necessary component to the sustainability of our ecosystems.
I have spent the winter months completing my pesticide applicators certification and working on a plan to manage the many invasive species in a way that won’t harm other plants or the water quality. With the help of volunteers, I hope to reduce the populations of terrestrial invasive plants that have become an all too common sight around the lake. With a little hard work, we can make the quality of our land match the beauty of our water.
Trail stewardship tasks planned for this summer include replacing bridges at the Cook Mountain Preserve, and restoration work at the Preserve at Pilot Knob’s parking area and trails (read more about this below).
I hope to work with the Department of Environmental Conservation to install a bridge at the NYS Pole Hill Pond Preserve, and a few bridges and an additional parking area at the Cat and Thomas Mountains Preserve. Throughout the year I post pictures of trail work and interesting finds and views on our pages on Facebook. Like our pages to follow, plus get updates on trail conditions and events! INVASIVES WORK DAYS June 5 - 9 @ 9 am - 3 pm Cook Mountain Preserve, Ti Second annual effort to remove invasive honeysuckle. Come and help at any time throughout the scheduled work week. MORE INFO: call 518-644-9673, email anovick@lglc.org, or go to lglc.org/events-and-programs.
Stone steps, like those shown at right, are one tool used when creating sustainable trails that are resilient to potentially damaging effects from intensive use and storm water. Photo from www.tahawustrails.com
Building Resilient Trails for the Future The Pilot Knob Trail Reconstruction Project will incorporate sustainable trail infrastructure and educational materials designed to withstand intensive year-round use at our Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob in Fort Ann. The LGLC contracted with Tahawus Trails, an award-winning professional trail building company, in 2015 to develop a site redesign plan to improve the preserve’s trail system, which has been overwhelmed by heavy foot traffic and is no longer sustainable in its current condition. An initial site trails assessment with general recommendations was finalized in November of 2016. We expect to start work on the trails this fall. The plan includes recommendations to reconstruct and reroute the current trail system, including the installation of 8
viewshed: Spring 2017
rock steps and cribbing, in order to protect environmental resources, decrease erosion, improve safety and walkability, and support an ever-increasing number of preserve guests. The project also includes an expanded parking area, and updated trail and interpretive signage that will draw attention to the area’s unique natural assets and features. With a pricetag of nearly $100,000, this is no small undertaking for our organization, but it is a necessary step in assuring a safe and sustainable environment for our guests and the land. Start-up funding for this project came from private donors, and we are applying for grants, but additional support is needed. If you would like to be part of this monumental project, please go to www.lglc.org/land-conservation/ current-projects.
Emotions of Conservation Since 1988, the LGLC and its partners have protected 10,860 acres, including 34,472 feet (6.5 miles) of shoreline on Lake George. This includes more than 6,000 acres that were purchased and then transferred to the State of New York. Many staff members were part of these transactions over the years, from first reaching out to landowners and building trusted relationships; to overseeing surveys, appraisals, and other legal details; and seeing projects to closing. Today, the LGLC’s land protection team, which is primarily responsible for conducting land protection projects, collectively has over 25 years of experience working for land trusts and in the field of real estate. Though no two land protection projects are the same, the process for all transactions is usually similar: they all involve some form of “due diligence” which includes a review of title work to ensure that there are no issues as to the ownership of the property, environmental assessments to ensure that the property has a clean “bill of health,” site visits, and in many cases, surveys, appraisals, and other checks. The projects are brought to the staff and board of directors to be reviewed. This may sound mundane, but it is far from it.
There is something special about being able to walk on a piece of property that you played a small part in protecting, knowing that it will be there for the next generation. There is also often an emotional side to land conservation. On the one hand, people don’t like to hear that their property is worth less than they think; an appraisal doesn’t take family history and personal value into consideration, and the resulting monetary valuation can be taken as an insult. On the other hand, there are many people who know the value of their land but nevertheless are willing to donate it, sell it for less (known as a bargain sale), or put a conservation easement on it, and that spirit of generosity is just amazing. Even in cases where there is no purchase price to negotiate, the title work can create a jigsaw puzzle that takes weeks, months, or sometimes years to clear up. Despite these challenges, no one here is complaining. There is a wonderful feeling when projects—often long in the making—finally come to fruition. The end result of satisfying a willing landowner’s needs and fulfilling the LGLC’s goal of protecting the land that protects the lake is what we are passionate about. viewshed: Spring 2017
9
Traces By Ruth Lamb
Right: Wardboro Schoolhouse; Top, left: discovered bucket
On a hot summer’s day, a woods road beckons you to leave the thoroughfare behind and drive into its tree-canopied shade. Accepting the invitation, you find yourself tunneling into the forest, which closes in around you on both sides of the narrow track. You relax and contemplate the wildness of your Adirondack surroundings. Looking around, you shed your everyday cares and marvel at the wild world you have entered. You feel as if you have discovered it.
Actually, what we accept as wild today in the lands surrounding Lake George may not always have been so. One hundred years ago, people lived and worked in some of the “wild places” of today. In 1990, my husband and I settled into one such spot, a secluded mountain valley, drained by a burbling trout stream. By 1825, this valley was farmed, and extensive open land spread along the dirt road that still snakes its way upland along Northwest Bay Brook. Homes and barns and even several school houses were built here and there along the way. Today almost all signs of Wardboro—named for the Wards who moved west from Vermont and settled in—are gone. Looking for traces of earlier settlers when adventuring throughout lands protected by the Lake George Land Conservancy, can provide an interesting diversion for the hiker or back roads explorer. First of all be alert for trees and shrubs that the earlier residents may have planted. Old apple trees with their gnarled branches are suggestive, as are such bushes as lilacs or forsythia. In this valley it was the custom to plant two maple trees at each farm, to provide shade along the road. Looking for these giant maples has led us to homesites up and down the valley. Perhaps you will stumble on remnants of gardens so carefully tended years ago. We’ve found beds of tiger lilies and asparagus plants still growing at former farm sites. The trail you hike today may have served as a roadway to a now extinct community. Examine it as you stroll along to see if you can imagine it as a former road. Stone walls along 10
viewshed: Spring 2017
the way could be clues. At a stream crossing, a bridge’s rocky substructure may still be discernible. Sometimes one can find bits and pieces of barbed wire fences still in place. Or even the rusty remains of a sleigh! You may stumble across a few graves in a family or community cemetery. The grave stones may have cracked, or fallen over, with lichen covering the etched names and dates. This is a real find, for you can now get a sense of when the community existed and put names and dates to some of the inhabitants. My husband, Sandy Lamb, considers himself very fortunate to have had family that was part of owning lands in Wardboro starting before 1900. In fact his Grandmother Thirsa was a descendent of the original Wards. In 1968 ten Wardboro landowners pooled their resources to purchase over 580 acres of lands adjacent to and part of the Northwest Bay Watershed and formed the Wardboro Valley Corporation. Twenty-five years later this land was sold to the state as a way to limit the effects of development to the watershed. Now that the Lake George Land Conservancy exists to work with landowners to both protect the land but also make it more available for hiking, boating, fishing, and other low key adventuring, we look forward to being part of this ongoing sharing of both saving and using the lands feeding Lake George.
Our thanks to Ruth Lamb for writing this article for the LGLC, its abridged version printed here. To read Ruth’s story in its entirety go to www.lglc.org/traces.
Trails = Healthy Community Tourism, health and recreation go hand-inhand, especially in New York State, where hundreds of millions of dollars have been designated for enhancing New York’s appeal as a destination for outdoor recreation and heritage tourism. The State recognizes that trails contribute substantially to local economies, public health, and the environment. According to the 2015 New York State Tourism Impact study of the Adirondacks, approximately $570 million is generated from direct tourism spending in Warren County, which covers most of the western side of Lake George, from Hague to the Town and Village of Lake George.
Trails = Healthy Body and Mind We all know that exercise is good for your body, but exercise outdoors, even low impact walking, has specifically been shown to have significant effects both physically and mentally.
80% of visitors come to the Adirondacks for outdoor activities. 61% of those indicate hiking as the primary interest.1
Contact with natural outdoor environments has the potential for health-promoting and disease-preventing effects, including lowered blood pressure, heart rate, blood-glucose levels, and cortisol levels, as well as positive effects on the immune-function response. Spending time outside can also contribute to relaxation, increased concentration and short-term memory, and help with depression and anxiety.
75% of visitors consider ecological
A National Geographic article, This is Your Brain on Nature, published in January of 20161, cites study after study, all linking nature with health benefits. Nature’s primary function seems to be reducing stress, which has been shown to have significant impact on our minds and bodies. “Measurements of stress hormones, respiration, heart rate, and sweating suggest that short doses of nature—or even pictures of the natural world—can calm people down and sharpen their performance.”
sensitivity of a destination to be Important or Extremely Important when travel planning.1
In the National Geographic article, David Strayer, a cognitive psychologist at the University of Utah, explained that, “when we slow down, stop the busywork, and take in beautiful natural surroundings, not only do we feel restored, but our mental performance improves too.” We couldn’t agree more.
In New York alone, 3.8 million people watch birds and other wildlife, and generate approximately $1.6 billion in ecotourism revenue annually.2 Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism. Essex County Leisure Visitor Study, May 2014. 1
U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau. 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. 2
(2016 January) This is Your Brain on Nature. Retrieved from http://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2016/01/call-to-wild/ 1
viewshed: Spring 2017
11
The LGLC’s Hike-A-Thon is a one-day event held each July 5th to showcase LGLC’s parks and preserves as free public resources, and to promote a healthy, active lifestyle and appreciation for protecting the land that protects the lake.
12
viewshed: Spring 2017
LAKE GEORGE LAND CONSERVANCY
JULY
5TH 2017
Have you signed up yet for the 2017 Hike-A-Thon? We’re a month ahead of last year’s registrations, with nearly 500 people! As always, each site has limited space and half have already filled up! Don’t miss out—register early to make sure you get a spot in this lake-wide hiking extravaganza. NEW FOR 2017 Peggy’s Point is back in the game as our dog park for a day! Plus, check out the Charles R. Wood Nature Park, Up Yonda Farm, and other partner sites. For more information and our easy online registration form, go to http://lakegeorgehikeathon.org.
Helicopter Drawing! It’s time to enter our annual drawing for a chance to win a seat in the Hike-A-Thon helicopter during its 1 ½-hour trip around Lake George on July 5th!
How to enter
Entries must be submitted online and received by midnight, June 9, 2017. One entry per person, please. No donation required to enter. Go to lakegeorgehikeathon.org/2017drawing for entry form and more details. Good luck!
2017 MAJOR PARTNERS & SPONSORS Dan & Dianne Ryterband Town of Bolton Chris & Jane LaGuardia Jeff & Patti Brozyna Chuck & Carla Cumming David & Maureen Cumming Tom & Niki Van Vuren Ted & Deidre Schadler Bob & Betsy Birchenough Fred & Carol Hammerman Bill & Debbie Hoffman Bob & Carol Kafin Judy Larter Jim & Sheilagh Menzies
Victoria Ragucci, CPA
BOLTON LANDING, NY
AND Hike-A-Thon participants! Special thanks Valley View Farm and Dean Cook and Family Photos at left: Various Hike-A-Thon sites from 2016, by Carl Heilman, II
viewshed: Spring 2017
13
HAPPENINGS
Lake Talk Series: Living Lands Join us for our 2017 Summer Lake Talk Series: Living Lands, weekly presentations that take an exclusive and up-close look at the wildlife and people who utilize the land of Lake George and the Adirondacks, past and present! Presentations are on Wednesday evenings, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the LGLC office in Bolton Landing. Space is limited – registration is strongly recommended to save your seat! Register online at lglc.org/events-and-programs. June 28: Maple Sugaring with Bixby’s Best Join “Bixby’s Best” sugarmaker Sam Caldwell as he illustrates the sugaring process of Adirondack maple trees that turns natural tree sap into maple sugar and his Grade A maple syrup. July 12: Wild Wolves Steve Hall of the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge explains the characteristics and habits of wolves as well as other Adirondack critters such as foxes and coyotes. Get the chance to meet Kiska, the grey wolf! July 19: Meet the Raptors Nancy Kimball, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, will present a program on the characteristics and behaviors of raptors that live in this area. Nancy has 12 years of experience in the field of home-based wildlife rehabilitation, and will be accompanied at this presentation by some of her educational birds. July 26: Beekeeping and Honeymaking Owner of Pleasant Valley Apiaries, Tom Wells will illustrate the behavior and inner-workings of these important pollinators, their hive and the honey that they produce. Come see the Queen Bee in the observation hive!
DETAILS When: Saturday, August 19
Reception 10 - 10:30 am Meeting 10:30 am - 12 pm Lunch 12:30 - 1:30 pm
Where: Bolton Conservation Park & Community Center 50 Edgecomb Pond Rd, Bolton Landing Please visit lglc.org/events-andprograms for more information and to RSVP (preferred but not required).
14
viewshed: Spring 2017
August 2: The Battle of Lake George Join us for an evening with author & historian William R. Griffith IV, as he discusses his book “The Battle of Lake George.” Learn the history of our region’s importance in the French and Indian War. August 9: Adirondack Hunting Traditions Dan Ladd is a lifelong resident of the Lake George region, an avid hunter and a regular outdoor columnist for The Chronicle in Glens Falls. Dan will present on the historic tradition of Adirondack hunting throughout the area. August 16: Timber Rattlesnakes Dr. Bill Brown will speak about the timber rattlesnake, its natural history and habits, as well as conservation efforts and management of the Lake George basin’s timber rattlesnake population. In addition, modern medical approaches to treating a snakebite will be presented. Have a suggestion for a future Lake Talk? Send your ideas to Michele at mderossi@lglc.org!
2017 Annual Meeting Please join LGLC staff and directors for our annual gathering to discuss the year’s projects, our financial status, and plans for future conservation projects. The morning will also include the awarding of the newest Apperson Society members. Guest speaker Michelle Clement from ROOST (Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism/Lake Placid CVB) will discuss how land trusts, local governments, and businesses can form partnerships to create a sustainable economy and vibrant quality of life for residents in Adirondack communities. Refreshments will be provided, including a light picnic lunch and ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s of Bolton Landing/Lake George!
Save the Date!
CELEBRATIONS
Macionis Family Center for Conservation Turns 10 On July 28, 2007, the LGLC celebrated the completion of its new quarters with a public grand opening that extended well beyond the boundary of 4905 Lake Shore Drive. The town wide “Bolton Land and Water Festival Day” included a Taste of Bolton with ten participating restaurants, presentations and kids activities.
Land & Water 2017 Celebrate with us as we recognize you and to all of our loyal supporters who are dedicated to protecting the land that protects the lake.
Friday, July 28, 2017 at the Inn at Erlowest The Land and Water Conservation Celebration is the LGLC’s primary benefit event. Over the years, event guests have made a huge impact on Lake George, contributing over a million dollars towards programs that protect the land that protects the lake. For tickets and to participate in our 2017 Honorary Committee, visit www.lglc.org/events-and-programs/conservation-celebration. Formal invitations will be mailed in May.
Guest speakers for the celebration included Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand, former NYS DEC Region 5 Director Betsy Lowe, and former Bolton Town Supervisor Zandy Gabriels. Named in honor of the Macionis family’s outstanding contributions, the Macionis Family Center for Conservation is a part of the Bolton community and has hosted hundreds of visitors and program attendees. An open house will be held this fall to commemorate those who helped to make the building possible. More details to come.
John J. Macionis PhD This summer, Board President John Macionis will step down after completing 12 years of service and leadership. During his tenure, John helped to raise millions of dollars through numerous capital campaigns and as well as by taking on the role of auctioneer at our annual Land and Water Conservation Celebration, resulting in the protection of thousands of acres of land within the Lake George watershed. We are especially grateful for John’s willingness to share his personal stories and passion, inspiring many to follow his lead to protect the land that protects the lake. He can step down from this leadership role knowing that he made a real, lasting impact on the lake that he holds close to his heart. viewshed: Spring 2017
15
NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE
Lake George Land Conservancy 4905 Lake Shore Drive P.O. Box 1250 Bolton Landing, NY 12814
PA ID BOLTON LANDING, NY PERMIT NO. 27
We’ve updated! LGLC has updated its donor management software and we thank you in advance for being patient as we adjust to the new system. So that we can start with the best information possible, please let us know if your address needs correction, or send us a notice when you switch to a seasonal address to make sure you don’t miss out on any news! Send any updates to hbartonbenedict@lglc.org. Thank you!
Cover photo, 2016 Hike-A-Thon paddle group at Northwest Bay, by Carl Heilman, II/Wild Visions, Inc.
Get out!
Stay connected! #HikeLakeGeorge /HikeLakeGeorge
Visit www.lglc.org for more information about these and other LGLC happenings. Call 518-644-9673 or email events@lglc.org to register.
June 1 @ 5 - 7 pm
June 5 - 9 @ 9 am - 3 pm
Invasives Work Days
Volunteer Open House
@ Cook Mt Preserve, Ticonderoga (See page 8 for details)
Stop by and see how you can get involved, in the field, office or in your community! @ LGLC Office, Bolton Landing
August 8 @ 11 am - 2 pm
June 3 @ all day!
Youth Scavenger Hunt
National Trails Day Contest
@ The Pinnacle, Bolton Drop off your kids for a fun hike with themed scavenger hunt! For ages 7-13
Hike, post, and tag #hikelakegeorge and #lglctrailsday to enter our photo contest! Details at facebook.com/HikeLakeGeorge.
June 28 - August 16:
Lake Talks (See page 14)
@HikeLakeGeorge
July 5: Hike-A-Thon (See pages 12-13)
July 28: Land & Water
Conservation Celebration (See page 15)
August 19: Annual Meeting (See page 14)