LGLC News for October 2021

A stream that flows through the recently protected Saddlebrook property. Mossy rocks peek out from the water.

150 Acres in Bolton Protected by Conservation Easement

Last Friday, the LGLC protected 150 acres of Bolton uplands through the use of a conservation easement, a tool used by land trusts that keep land in private ownership while protecting the land’s conservation values. The property includes one mile of stream corridor and 10 acres of wetland within the Indian Brook tributary of Lake George.

The property is owned by the DePace family, who sold the easement to the LGLC out of a desire to ensure its protection for future generations. Originally, the 150 acre tract was split into 23 residential lots, and allowed for 23 homes to be built. The DePace family and the LGLC worked to extinguish those 23 lots into just three lots. By doing so, important natural resources and the rural character of this region of Bolton are protected forever.

The landowners Tony and Gail DePace said, ”Knowing that large parcels of Bolton Landing will be protected and environmentally healthy for many years to come is what prompted us to work together with the LGLC."

It's Official! Ribbon Cutting at the Pinnacle Celebrates New Trail and Parking Area

Representatives from the Town of Bolton, Bolton Landing Chamber of Commerce, and elected officials joined the LGLC on October 5th to officially celebrate the opening of the brand new trail to Bradley's Lookout, as well as the preserve's new parking lot and improved trail to the Pinnacle summit.

Read About the Celebration in the Lake George Mirror

Racers at the starting line at the 2021 Amy's Race, Oct. 2.

Amy's Race Results

Our thanks go to all who ran, volunteered, and sponsored this year's Amy's Adventure Race for the Lake! The race included 27 runners who participated at Amy’s Park on Oct. 2, and an additional 8 who ran virtually.

The overall in-person male winner was Shaun Donegan, who finished the race in 35 minutes and 37 seconds. The in-person female winner was Kaley Bell, a fifth time Amy’s racer, who finished the race in 43 minutes and 1 second. The remaining top finishers of the in-person race were Alex James, Ian Cutting, Madison Brand, and Jordan Weatherhead, who all finished the 4.5 mile rugged race in under 51 minutes.

The event was spearheaded in 2017 by the LGLC’s Next Generation Committee, a group of young professionals committed to bringing awareness to LGLC’s mission by organizing innovative events geared towards engaging communities around the lake. Over its 5-year tenure, the race has gathered 274 racers and grossed over $20,000 for LGLC programs, while bringing awareness to the special nature of the Amy’s Park Preserve, the importance of the Indian Brook area and the exciting Bolton Hub Recreational Initiative.

See Full Results and Photos from Amy's Race

HWA Training - Thursday, Oct. 21

The Lake George Land Conservancy, in partnership with the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP), is hosting a full-day hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) training on Thursday, October 21, in Fort Ann for foresters, arboriculture professionals, and experienced citizen scientists. Attendees should be in good physical condition and be physically able to hike into the infested site.

The first major infestation of HWA was found in the Lake George region in summer 2020. “Hemlock trees in the Adirondacks, and the important wildlife and watershed benefits they provide, are threatened by this forest pest,” explained Tammara Van Ryn, APIPP Program Manager. The workshop on October 21 will cover current research, field identification, and monitoring and management protocols for controlling this invasive forest pest. Foresters can receive 3.5 Continuing Forest Education credits through the Society of American Foresters for attending the workshop.

The morning presentations on biological control research, on-the-ground management, and prioritization strategies from Cornell University and NYSDEC will be held at Camp Wakpominee. After lunch, participants will drive or carpool to a field site to practice hands-on HWA scouting and identification, and to view an infestation site a year after chemical control applications began in the Lake George Wild Forest. Attendees should be prepared to hike approximately 1.5 miles round-trip in order to view the infestation.

Workshop partners also include the New York State Hemlock Initiative at Cornell University and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) as well as our host Camp Wakpominee.

Organizers ask that participants come prepared with a mask, a high-visibility blaze orange vest or other item of clothing, warm clothing, and lunch. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. The training is free, but space is limited and registration is required.

Events!

Be sure to visit our website, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get updates and posts about events as more are added. Registration is required for most events - visit lglc.org for more information and to register.

LGLC Events and Programs

Oct. 21: HWA Training

10 AM | Full-day hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) training in Fort Ann for foresters, arboriculture professionals, and experienced citizen scientists. Attendees should be in good physical condition and be physically able to hike into the infested site. Click for more details and to register.

Barred owl by William Adamczak @wadamczakphoto

Dec. 18: Christmas Bird Count

Birders wanted to join the annual count, the nation's longest-running community science bird project, organized by Audubon. Our circle includes Amy's Park in Bolton south to Pilot Knob Preserve in Fort Ann, and the Schroon River in Warrensburg east to Sleeping Beauty and Black Mt in Dresden. Email us for more info and to sign up!

Save these Dates for 2022!

Feb. 5: Cross Country Ski

10 AM | Join our expert volunteer leader, David Thomas-Train, for an exhilarating trek up and down Cat Mt on skis! More details and registration coming soon.