viewshed Fall/Winter 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 world-
Protecting the Land that Protects the Lake since 1988.
renowned 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
Contact us:
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The NextGen of Conservation
518-644-9673 | www.lglc.org
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Grants Provide Essential Support The Preserves of Sucker Brook
LGLC STAFF
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Helen Barton Benedict* Development Manager
Alexander Novick Land Steward
O’Reilly New Board President 8 Hall, Morris Join Executive Committee
Jamie Brown Executive Director
Warren Rosenthal Conservation Manager
Stewardship Report
Megan Clothier* Office Assistant
Michele DeRossi Vidarte Community Engagement & Events Manager
Protecting Connections that Protect the Lake
Cornelia Wells Finance & Office Manager
Amy's Adventure Race
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Spring & Summer Snapshot
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Sarah Hoffman Communications & Outreach Manager *Part-time LGLC BOARD OF DIRECTORS Michael O’Reilly President Jeffry Brozyna VP of Development Charles M. Cumming VP of Human Resources
Huletts Landing Lake George Northwest Bay
Ed Becker, DVM Sabbath Day Point John Buhac, MD Gull Bay Jennifer Waterhouse Cooper Bolton Landing JD DeSantis Bolton Landing Elizabeth Guest Silver Bay Jonathan A. Herttua Glenburnie Debbie Hoffman Bolton Landing Christopher LaGuardia Kattskill Bay
Tom Hall VP of Conservation George Morris VP of Finance, Treasurer Tracey Clothier Secretary Judith K. Larter Elizabeth Meigher Peg Olsen Daniel Ryterband Robert Singer Ike Wolgin James W. Wolitarsky
Diamond Point
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Summer Social Events, 14-15 th Save the Date—30 Anniversary Picnic Get Out! Winter Events
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Pilot Knob Lake George Silver Bay Bolton Landing Glenburnie Diamond Point Ticonderoga Bolton Landing Northwest Bay
ADVISORY BOARD Robert Birchenough, MD William Bixby, III Henry Caldwell Dean L. Cook, DMD David Darrin Arthur Franz John Hubbard, Jr. Mark Johnson, PhD Walter F. Lamb, Jr.
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Cleverdale Northwest Bay Bolton Landing Ticonderoga Hague Bolton Landing Northwest Bay Stony Point Bolton Landing
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Douglas Langdon, MD Bolton Landing John J. Macionis, PhD Hague James Menzies, PhD Bolton Landing Peter Menzies Bolton Landing Sandra Nierzwicki-Bauer, PhD Bolton Landing Rosemary Pusateri Cleverdale Hugh Roberts Bolton Landing Rebecca Smith Bolton Landing Virginia Rowan Smith Silver Bay
Cover photo: Cook Mountain View © Brad Wenskoski Photography This newsletter is printed on paper donated by International Paper's Ticonderoga Mill
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear friends, About this time last year, after purchasing ten pounds of candy from a local candy store for my son, he and I headed over to Amy’s Park, his favorite place to enjoy the outdoors. He ran ahead of me as usual, down the leaf-covered trail flopping himself into a pile of the wet, colorful stuff, giggling and enjoying the peaceful beauty of the woods. I breathed in the cool, fresh air, glad to be free of the mosquitos, black flies and other summer pests. As we slowly made our way to the beaver pond and peered down at the clean water, I was reminded quite starkly of why the work of the LGLC is so important. This protected land that we were enjoying on a lazy fall Sunday plays a key role in ensuring that the pristine water quality of Lake George stays pure and clean. This is my connection to Lake George. Each of you have your own connections to this special place. Perhaps like me, you have a favorite LGLC preserve that connects you to the lake. Or perhaps your connection is a home, campsite, motel or resort. The common thread is that we are all connected by the land that protects the lake. Amy’s Park harbors the headwaters for Indian Brook, one of the main tributaries that feeds Lake George. By protecting that land, we protect Lake George, forever. This benefits everyone’s connections. Once land is protected it becomes a community asset, enjoyed by everyone—hikers, birdwatchers, hunters, runners, residents, and tourists. The LGLC community now has a new leader in Mike O’Reilly (see page 8 for his story). During Mike’s tenure as the Treasurer/VP of Finance of the LGLC, the organization’s financial standing improved steadily to the point of being virtually debt free and having healthy endowments and positive balance sheets. I was fortunate to spend time with Mike this summer talking about his transition to his new role as President of the LGLC. We spent some of this time on the lake, and he spoke passionately about his connection to this special place. That passion, as well as Mike's natural leadership skills and steady hand, will help our organization continue to make a real difference for Lake George. It’s nice to catch one’s breath, if only briefly, during the beautiful Fall season on the lake. It gives time to think of how many people are connected to this lake, how these relationships start and last a lifetime, and how the LGLC’s work is intertwined in all of it. Thanks so much for all that you do to protect the land that protects the lake. Best regards,
Jamie Brown Executive Director viewshed: Fall/Winter 2017
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The NextGen of Conser To engage the "next generation" of conservation leaders, the LGLC has formed a NextGen committee. They meet regularly to talk about projects and events that may inspire their peers to get—and stay—involved in the future of Lake George.
Above: members of the NextGen Committee gather for a trial run at Amy's Park, the location of the group's first event, Amy's Adventure Run for the Lake, set for October 14, 2017.
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The LGLC's Next Generation (NextGen) Committee is a newly formed group of enthusiastic young adults from around the area who embrace the “choose your own adventure” mentality to help us connect to a younger audience and stay on the cutting edge of what attracts people to our lands and to our mission. “I think the NextGen Committee serves as an outlet for the younger members of the community,” explains one NextGen member, Charlotte Caldwell, “to demonstrate their passion for conserving the natural resources that we hold close to our hearts. We also hope to bring a fresh perspective to the LGLC in the hopes of passing down our values to rising generations.” Amy’s Adventure Race for the Lake, a 5-mile rugged run through Amy's Park on October 14th, will be the first event spearheaded by the group. Sponsors and partners include Under Armour and UnderDog Racing, the Wolgin Family, Bolton Landing Brewing Company, Cedar Graphics, Adirondack Etching, Chelka Lodge, and Lake George 12ster. This event will bring business into the town of Bolton Landing during the fall “shoulder” season, and engage participants (and their friends and family) in a way that the LGLC has not done before. See page 12 for more information, or go to lglc.org/events-and-programs/amys-race for updated
FUNDING HIGHLIGHTS
Grants Provide Essential Support for Projects Around Lake George The LGLC received a $190,000 grant this summer from the Helen V. Froehlich Foundation. The generous award is being used on priority conservation projects, including $100,000 towards the LGLC’s Indian Brook/Northwest Bay Conservation Initiative, which includes focused land protection efforts in the Indian Brook and Northwest Bay watersheds in the Town of Bolton. This most recent gift is the 23rd consecutive grant awarded to the LGLC by the Froehlich Foundation, a total of nearly $3.5 million.
rvation details and our online registration form. We welcome others to join the committee and add their voices to the discussions. Meetings are casual, and held every 4-6 weeks. Follow-up reports and discussions are sent by email, so even if you aren’t able to attend in person, you can still be an active member of the committee. If you have an idea for a future event or activity, want to see what else is in the works, or just want to be part of this energetic group, let us know! Contact Michele DeRossi at mderossi@lglc.org or call 518-644-9673 to be added to the committee list. Or, come to our next scheduled meeting on October 19th and be part of the next conversation! (details below) LGLC NEXTGEN COMMITTEE MEETING Thursday, October 19 @ 6 pm At Farmstead Flatbread (restaurant and taproom) 1066 US Route 9, Queensbury, New York Drop in to talk about Amy's Adventure Race and be part of the discussion for future events and LGLC projects!
A $40,000 grant from the 2017 New York State Smart Growth Implementation Grants Program was awarded to the LGLC in August for its extensive trail restoration project at the Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob. This project aims to reduce stormwater erosion and create sustainable trails that provide safe, engaging recreational opportunities. Funded by the Environmental Protection Fund, the Smart Growth grants help to identify locally-led priorities for community development, leverage surrounding natural areas for public enjoyment, and collaborate on initiatives throughout the Catskill and Adirondack Parks. The International Paper Foundation awarded the LGLC a grant of $2,000 for the creation of interpretive signage for Cook Mountain Preserve in Ticonderoga. Part of our watershed-wide effort to increase awareness and educational opportunities along our trails, these signs will include information such as the natural succession of a beaver pond, and the cultural history of northern Lake George. International Paper’s Ticonderoga Mill also donated the paper used for the printing of this newsletter.
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Flat Rock 6.5 miles to Ticonderoga Anthony’s Nose
To Rte 22
P 18.5 miles to Whitehall
P i
Last Great i Shoreline i i
D
Gull Bay Preserve
i i
P
i i
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The Preserves of Sucker Brook After nearly two decades, the LGLC’s focused conservation work in Putnam, Washington County, has protected 1,500 acres, including most of the Sucker Brook watershed and lands needed to "Bridge the Nose" to Flat Rock.
A peregrine falcon can fly the 3.6-mile length of this Conservation Area in about 4 minutes. Following the nearly continuous trail system, people can hike from one end to the other, too, though we encourage travelers to take some extra time to enjoy the views, signage and beauty of the woods and wetlands along the way. The LGLC has been working to protect critical lands in this northeast section of the lake since the purchase of Flat Rock in 1998. Home to some of the region's nesting peregrine falcons and documented as an important wildlife corridor, this Conservation
Area now includes 1,465 acres of protected land and 2 1/2 miles of protected lake shoreline. One of the primary goals of this conservation effort was to protect as much of Sucker Brook and its wetlands as possible. The majority of the water in Lake George comes directly off the land through streams. Sucker Brook is one of the lake's largest tributaries, which means that any damage to its ecosystem could have a significant effect on the quality of water entering into Lake George.
PROJECT HISTORY:
CLOSING DATE PROPERTY ACRES 1998/01 2000/12 2003/04 2009/02 2014/04 2014/12 2015/08 2016/02 2016/09 2016/10
Flat Rock Anthony’s Nose Gull Bay Preserve Last Great Shoreline (LGS) Gull Bay/LGS Connector Anthony’s Nose Addition Eagle’s Mare* Flat Rock Addition White Cedar Swamp LGS Beaver Pond
FEET OF LAKE SHORELINE
244 189 434 401 3 18 6 12 65 73
Totals 1,465
5,460 3,550 0 3,970 0 0 255 0 0 0 13,235
*Donation
MAP KEY:
Wetlands and Beaver Ponds
LGLC Protected Lands (by year of project acquisition)
Tributaries
2000 and prior
Trails
2003
Scenic View
2009 2014 2015 2016
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Educational Signage
P D
Parking Lot Dock
By slowing and storing water during times of high volume, such as storms and snowmelt, wetlands can stop sediment and prevent potential flood damage downstream. Wetland soils then absorb pollutants like excess nitrogen and salts as the water soaks into the ground or is slowly released into nearby streams. Wetlands are also some of the most productive habitats on the planet. The Sucker Brook wetlands are home to great blue herons, beavers, wood ducks and other water fowl, and provide shelter and food for roaming animals such as bobcats. They also serve as nurseries for many amphibians. The completion of the most recent projects was accomplished in large part due to the Bridge the Nose Campaign, which focused on securing a connection from the southern preserves to the north edge of Flat Rock, as well as key pieces for water quality protection. Funded by individual private donors, foundations, and conservation lenders, all efforts in this region have resulted in permanent water quality protection, habitat protection, educational opportunities, and public access for hunting, birding, and other passive recreation. For these benefits and more, the protected forests and wetlands provide ecoservices valued at more than $900,000 each year. This Conservation Area model is now being used as the basis for the conservation efforts in the Indian Brook/ Northwest Bay Conservation Initiative in the town of Bolton. To learn more about what is being done there, as well as other regions of the Lake George watershed, visit lglc.org. viewshed: Fall/Winter 2017
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TRUSTEESHIP SPOTLIGHT
Tom Hall and George Morris Join Executive Committee LGLC Board Members Tom Hall and George Morris were also elected into officer positions this summer. Tom Hall has been on the LGLC Board since 2015, and has been elected Vice President of Conservation. The position was previously held by Judy Larter, having served under the title since 2012. Judy will continue to sit on the Board of Directors. Tom retired from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation nearly 7 years ago after a 33 year career in public service that focused on environmental protection. At retirement, he held the position of Special Assistant/Assistant Regional Director for DEC Region 5—an eight-county upstate area approximately the size of the State of Vermont that includes most of the Adirondack Park and all of the Lake George watershed. George Morris has been a Board Member since 2016, and is filling the Treasurer and Vice President of Finance positions left open by Mike O’Reilly, who is now President. George recently finished his 32nd year with Oliver Wyman, the international management consulting firm and part of Marsh and McLennan, where he is a Partner in the Financial Services group based in New York City. His consulting career began after graduating with an MBA from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business (1985) and an AB from Dartmouth College (1980). In 2016 he co-authored a paper on risk management for non-profits based on financial analysis of charities in New York State. Now, he is semi-retired and leads the firm’s Social Impact initiative out of the New York office and contributes to developing future generations of world-class management advisors.
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New Board President Michael O’Reilly has been elected President by the LGLC Board of Directors. The announcement took place at the LGLC’s Annual Meeting on August 19. Mike is taking over the role from John J. Macionis, who served as President for more than 11 years. Mike joined the LGLC Board in January of 2010, and served as Treasurer since August of 2011, and Vice President of Finance since August 2012. Mike's love affair with Lake George started over 60 years ago on brief family vacation. While his father went to Saratoga, his mother, being a very good sport, spent several 3-4 hour stints with her 10-year-old son in a rented 12-foot aluminum boat with a 5-horse outboard. He was hooked with the beauty of the mountains and clarity of the water. That led to camping on the islands, first with friends and then with his new bride, Marie, spending five days (four in the rain) on an island. Over many years their two daughters and now grandchildren have been fascinated with this unique place, and fully support the LGLC’s mission of protecting the land that protects the lake. Mike is retired Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of the Chubb Corporation. He started a 39-year career in 1969 at Chubb as an analyst in the Investment Department, becoming Chief Investment Officer in 1986. While at Chubb he served in many capacities, including the founding of Harbor Point, a Bermuda reinsurance company. Following retirement from Chubb, Mike remained Vice Chairman of Harbor Point, eventually becoming Chairman. Harbor Point and Max Capital merged in 2010 to form Alterra Capital Holdings with Mike as its Chairman. He remains actively involved in the insurance and financial services business. He currently is a director of the Markel Corporation, joining its board in 2013 after the purchase of Alterra. Mike served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1967 and in the Army Reserves from 1968 to 1971, retiring with the rank of Captain. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from New York University and an MBA from Pace University. He is Chairman of the Board of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation and Trustee Emeritus of Pace University. Outgoing President John Macionis took on the role in January of 2006. During his tenure, the LGLC protected 3,828 acres of land and 4,225 feet of lake shoreline, through 10 donations and 18 purchases totaling more than $9 million. John was also the auctioneer for the LGLC’s annual benefit event for 10 years. Over that time, the event’s auction and Fund-A-Need programs alone grew from raising $6,500 to $135,000 in a single evening. John’s leadership and passion for the protection of Lake George has been invaluable to the organization. We are grateful for his continued service on the Advisory Board.
Stewardship Despite the rain and cooler temperatures, this year has been busy for stewardship. With the completion of our new and improved parking area at our Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob, we have added 14 new parking spots to withstand the high volume of visitors. The upgraded lot has a new look and improved drainage, which makes it more sustainable for use in the years to come. ON THE TRAILS Trail work this year included a new yellow trail added to our Last Great Shoreline Preserve—an easy route to our newly acquired beaver pond north of the parking lot. A new foot bridge was also added to the preserve's blue trail to make accessibility easier during the wet months. With permission from the NYS DEC, we added a connector trail to Pole Hill Pond through our Godwin Preserve, allowing for a more moderate hike to the pond. This also grants passage from 9N to Padanarum Rd, all the way to Amy’s Park. A bridge in the northern section of Amy’s Park washed out due to heavy
rains and a failed beaver dam; this was rebuilt with the help of our seasonal volunteer Bob Kafin. We also added a kayak launch off of Padanarum Rd, to replace the south pond launch on Trout Falls Rd. The bridge at Cook Mountain Preserve was also replaced due to age and rot, and the yellow trail's bog bridges are soon to follow. LAND MANAGEMENT Many of our properties and easements were used as dumping areas in the past. We spent a good amount of time this summer filling up the truck with loads of garbage. Masses of glass bottles, metal and tires have been removed (and recycled when possible) from sites like the Last Great Shoreline Preserve, Gull Bay Preserve, and many of our easements in the Hague area. Keeping up with dumping is an important component to ensuring the healthy conditions of our conservation areas. INVASIVES MANAGEMENT With the help of volunteers, we removed large amounts of invasive hon-
eysuckle from Cook Mountain, Pilot Knob, and the Van Hart property. Treatment of garlic mustard, Japanese knotweed and phragmites was also done on various sites, including our easement properties. We continue to be vigilant in our monitoring and eradication of invasives so we can insure the survival of native vegetation on and around our preserves and properties.
Above: students from Glens Falls Middle School work together to remove honeysuckle at the Van Hart property in Fort Ann.
TRAIL ALERT : Missing Markers While most of our preserve guests are respectful of the trails and posted rules, each year we also have to clean up after the few who aren’t. This summer we noticed an disheartening increase in the number of signs and markers that were removed, either for keepsakes or a more hostile purpose, sometimes to the extent that entire sections of trail go “missing.” This type of vandalism is especially concerning because it presents an unsafe experience for those following, potentially causing them to get lost due to the lack of directional signage. If planning to hike any of our preserves, make sure you have a map and good general understanding of where the trails go, in case blazes have been taken. If you notice missing markers, let us know so we can replace them as soon as possible. Thank you!
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“Good birdwatching”
“Yay! We did it!”
“Love this hike! Thank you!”
“Fun activity for our family–loved the waterfall” “Such reward for “Saw lots of falcons” so little effort” "We love hiking and appreciate the hard work it takes to maintain “Not bad for a couple of “Great fun for us a trail. THANK YOU LGLC!” out of shape seniors” ‘city dwellers’!” “1st climb 1959; still beautiful”
“Thank you for the stairs on LGS trail!”
“Great wildlife viewing, birds and turtles”
“Daughter’s first hike all by herself at 2 years old”
“Beautiful bonding at the summit”
“Wonderful hike, short and sweet” 10
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“Stunning, peaceful”
“Thank you for all of this!”
Connections on the Trail For the most part LGLC’s parks and preserves are fairly easy to access and close to major population centers—certainly more so than land farther into the Adirondacks. There is also a lot to see along the way; it’s not simply a race to reach some final destination. In fact, we’re enhancing our trails with signage so that visitors can learn a great deal about the land, the lake, and the LGLC as they travel along. For some people, our preserves offer a safe and comfortable place for them to have a first encounter with nature. With over 35,000 visitors coming to our parks and preserves each year, the LGLC has a great opportunity to provide a rich and rewarding experience that, for many, can develop into a deep connection to Lake George and its surrounding mountains. This past year, the LGLC had a good year based on the numbers. We protected a good amount of acres of wetlands and forest, many feet of stream frontage, and made a positive, lasting impact on the water quality of Lake George. However, one of our biggest successes this past year is not something that can be quantified and will not show up on a balance sheet. We helped thousands of people connect to this special
place—people like Ashley Pasco and her children, Adeline (5) and Easton (1), pictured at left. Easton may be too young to remember his first hike to the top of the Pinnacle, but Adeline is already hooked. Here's Ashley's story: “When my daughter tells me she wants to go hiking it makes my heart smile so big because I want her to have the same passion about it as I do! I am an aspiring 46er and have almost completed my firetower challenge as well! Lake George holds a special place in my heart. I’ve grown up here—it’s where my dad would take us ice fishing in the winter when I was little, and when I was older my friends and I would all hang out here during the summer months. I started making the heart when I did Black Mountain over the winter, not only for Lake George, but because once you reach the summit of any mountain it’s breathtaking, like you are in a whole other world high above everything (sometimes level with the clouds)! I just love being able to get that view.” What’s your connection? Share your story with us on Facebook or Instagram (@hikelakegeorge), or send us an email at shoffman@lglc.org. We'd love to hear from you!
Left and below: Comments left by preserve guests on log-in sheets; Pictured left: The Pasco family at the top of the Pinnacle, Bolton Landing; Below: new improved parking lot at Pilot Knob.
“Awesome job with parking lot!”
“Thanks for improvements!”
“Great improvements—gave $5”
“Love the new parking lot” viewshed: Fall/Winter 2017
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Amy’s Adventure
Race for the Lake Race Details
When: October 14, 2017
Race-Day Registration & Bib Pick Up: 7 - 8:30 am Race begins at 9 am
Where: Amy's Park @ Padanarum Rd, Bolton Landing Entry Fee: $20 Age Groups: 14 and under; 15-35; 36-59; 60+ Shirts: First 50 registrants receive a special 1st edition
“Amy's Adventure Race for the Lake” Under Armour t-shirt. T-shirts will also be available for sale on race day.
Oct. 14, 2017
Register Online Today! https://lglc.salsalabs.org/trailrace
The Amy’s Adventure Race for the Lake is a 5-mile (8 kilometer) competitive trail race created and organized by the LGLC's NextGen Committee. The race route goes around scenic ponds, marshes and through the forests of our Amy’s Park in North Bolton. After the race has been completed, all participants, their supporters, and the public are invited to join us for a medal ceremony, raffle and celebration back in Bolton Landing. Stay up to date with race logistics, sponsors, prizes and more by following us on Facebook and Instagram (@hikelakegeorge). Businesses that wish to support this event financially or as a lodging partner (providing discounted rates to participants) can contact Michele at mderossi@lglc.org for more info, or go to www.lglc.org/events-and-programs/amys-race. Our thanks to the following current Partners and Sponsors of Amy's Race!
The Wolgin Family
Underdog Race Timing
Lodging Partner: 12
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SPRING SUMMER
IN A SNAPSHOT 2,500
9,500
More than volunteer hours were dedicated to LGLC events and activities in the field, office and online.
5,000
Nearly people participated in 16 events and programs, and got involved with the LGLC through social media.
More than hikers logged in to our parks and preserves; an additional 2,500+ hikers are estimated to have used Cat and Thomas Mts Forest Preserve and the Pole Hill Pond Forest Preserve.
{
97% of survey responders said they are likely or very likely to participate in a future Hike-A-Thon.
593 38.5
registered hikers miles of land & water covered
78 17
volunteers properties
68% said they had participated in the Hike-AThon before; of those, 17% participated all five years, and 20% participated in four of the five. Of the first-time participants, 99% said they were very likely to participate again.
WE THINK THE HIKE-A-THON’S AWESOME, BUT YOU DON’T HAVE TO TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT... Testimonials from 2017 Hike-A-Thon participants “We participated as a family and about 15 of us went from ages 5 to 78. It was so much fun and the volunteers were great! We all gained a little more appreciation for LG! Thanks!”
“This was my first year hearing about the Hike-A-Thon. I think this is an amazing way to protect the beautiful area we live in and should absolutely continue. I will certainly be signing up for next year!!”
“When you combine a full array of beautifully maintained trails, stunning vistas of Lake George and the Adirondacks, and knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides to help you safely discover and explore those trails and views, you get the Lake George Hike-A-Thon. The fact that the Hike-A-Thon contributes to the health of the lake that we all love is just the cherry on top. Can’t wait for next year!”
“Hike-A-Thon provides a sense of community participation in a lake wide event. It promotes the excellent cause of protecting the land in order to protect the Lake. I chose to participate in order to be a part of this community and because I love the Lake and want to see it continue to be a viable resource for the region. I will participate every year to see new trails and tracts.”
“This is a great event. You get to meet people who have a similar love for LG—they are neighbors mostly who we’ve never met. LGLC does a great job with logistics, and it’s a great way to learn about new places to explore. Thanks to the sponsors who help with snacks, water and swag for the day. I wear my LGLC shirts all year proudly and get questions about it all the time!”
“I can not wait until next year!! So looking forward to it. Love nature, loved seeing the Lake from a different view. It was my first hike.”
“Yes, I will absolutely participate again. We have been part of HikeA-Thon for the past 4 years, and it has become a family tradition. We love getting outside with our kids and pets, and sharing in the love of the outdoors and a challenging hike. We also support all the great work the LGLC does for the area.”
“I view the Hike-A-Thon as the most important event of the year in raising public awareness of LGLC and the vital role it plays in protecting our lake. The event keeps us focused on our mission, connected with our friends, and helps to grow our list of supporters. I will participate again to help promote the LGLC and to encourage everyone to become more actively involved in our organization.” “Hike-A-Thon is a wonderful way to introduce people to our special Adirondacks. I am proud to participate.”
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On July 28, 2017, more than 240 guests attended the LGLC’s 18th annual Land and Water Conservation Celebration, which brought in more than $230,000, exceeding the fundraising goal for the evening. All funds raised will go towards making a lasting and substantial impact on Lake George.
To date, the annual event, which is the LGLC’s primary benefit dinner and auction, has generated over $2.4 million towards the LGLC’s programs that protect the land that protects the lake. Our thanks go to the many generous donors and attendees who helped to make this a magical evening! All event photos © Brayton Photography
Save the Date! August 3, 2018 at the Inn at Erlowest
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A Party for Pilot Knob About 50 people attended a gathering held at the Spring Street Gallery on June 15, hosted by local Saratogians Kurt Schumann, Patty HasBrouck, and Caren Hoffman. Intended to provide an introduction to the LGLC, the event was also an opportunity to showcase ongoing trail reconstruction at the Lynn LaMontagne Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob and to honor its namesake, the late Lynn Schumann, who was the executive director of the LGLC from 1999-2006. Lynn’s husband, Kurt, and children, Lily and Jeff, were in attendance as well as many others whose lives were touched by Lynn during her life. Between drinks and friendly chatter, LGLC staff spoke briefly about the importance of friends, partners and volunteers in perpetuating the LGLC’s mission. We also described the Pilot Knob trail reconstruction project as a crucial step in restoring the well-loved but damaged trail system to a sustainable one that will protect water quality by reducing erosion, while also providing a safe experience for visitors. The Pilot Knob property exists thanks to
the work of Lynn Schumann, whose efforts resulted in many lake-saving accomplishments during her tenure at the LGLC. Kurt Schumann, who helped spearhead the evening’s event, rounded out the speeches, reiterating Lynn’s passion for protecting land and water around Lake George and summarizing the evening’s message: to bring awareness to the importance of conservation and the protection of land and water. The evening’s location at the Spring Street Gallery was graciously donated by Barbara Glaser, and food, beer and wine were generously provided by Putnam Market, Mark Smitkin and Dan Russell.
Save the Date for our Anniversary Picnic!
We're celebrating 30 years of Lake George land conservation in 2018, and you're invited! If you already have your 2018 calendar ready to go, be sure to add our 30th Anniversary Picnic & Celebration on Saturday, August 18, 2018, at Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center in Bolton Landing! This free, family-friendly event will include activities for kids, food and music, all to celebrate YOU and every past and present donor, volunteer, hiker, and sharer of news and knowledge. It's thanks to you that the LGLC has been able to make such a positive impact on the health of Lake George and its entire watershed these past 30 years, and we're going to have fun celebrating that achievement! Stay tuned for more event details next spring! Want to help us plan and organize this event? Let us know! Contact Michele at mderossi@lglc.org or call 518-644-9673 to find out how. Thank you! viewshed: Fall/Winter 2017
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Lake George Land Conservancy 4905 Lake Shore Drive P.O. Box 1250 Bolton Landing, NY 12814
Did you know? The LGLC has an online store, full of unique items that just might make the perfect gift for the Lake George lovers in your life (including yourself)! Go to www.lglc.org and click on STORE in the top right corner menu. There, you’ll find LGLC logoed merchandise, etched pint and wine glasses, and custom stainless steel items for you and your home. All sale proceeds go towards Lake George land protection so you can feel good about your purchase!
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. Amy’s Race for the Lake
Saturday, October 14 @ 7 am (check-in) Join our 1st annual trail race at Amy's Park, a 5-mile trail run. More info on page 12!
Fall Foliage Hike
Sun., October 15 @ 8:30 am - 2:30 pm Our annual 7-mile mod-challenging hike at Cat and Thomas Mts Preserve, Bolton.
Internat. Observe the Moon Night Saturday, October 28 @ 6:30 pm
Take a closer look at the moon, plus short presentation at Up Yonda Farm.
Christmas Bird Count
Saturday, December 16 @ all day Help count birds in the south basin for this nation-wide Audubon program.
This Winter in 2018 Cross-Country Ski
Saturday, January 27 @ 9:30 am Guided challenging x-c ski to both summits at Cat and Thomas Mts Preserve, Bolton.
Cabin Fever Open House
Thursday, February 8 @ 3 - 5 pm Dig out from the snow and join us for this casual gathering. Refreshments provided.
@HikeLakeGeorge
Save these Dates! 6th Annual Hike-A-Thon
Thursday, July 5, times & locations vary
Annual Land & Water Celebration Friday, August 3 @ Inn at Erlowest
30th Anniversary Picnic Saturday, August 18, time TBD
Walk on Water to Dome Island
Saturday, February 10 @ 10 am and 2 pm Highly dependent on good ice conditions, this exclusive 1-mile trek to the protected Dome Island includes a visit to John Apperson’s plaque.
Photo shared by @ caseydougan