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Protecting the Land that Protects the Lake since 1988

LGLC News for April 2022

Happy Earth Day!

We know Earth Day is Every Day but today provides an excellent opportunity to remind ourselves of some things we can do now and all year-long to keep our watershed - and Earth - healthy.

1. Avoid muddy trails. We know it's tempting to get out and enjoy your favorite hiking trails as soon as spring hits, but hiking on wet, muddy trails can cause serious damage to the trail's stability and the vegetation around it (since people are likely to go off the trail to avoid muddy areas). It's best to wait until the soil has a chance to dry out and firm up. Learn about all of the Leave No Trace Principles to help keep trails and our beautiful lands healthy all year-long.
2. Plant natives! Native plants are great for any landscape, and important for our native wildlife and pollinators. Most importantly, avoid spreading invasive species by learning which plants are native vs. non-native invasives. Watch APIPP's recent recorded presentation, "Native Plants for Adirondack Landscapes" to learn more.
3. Become a Citizen Scientist and help the Lake George watershed and beyond. Fall and winter are great times to survey for the invasive pest, hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). Watch recorded trainings to learn how to identify and survey for HWA, and how to use iMapInvasives to report survey data. Visit our website for more information on how to get involved.
4. Check out these 50 Earth Day Tips from the NYS DEC for lots of ways to live more sustainably every day!
5. Join a local Earth Day event! Check out this list of events in the Glens Falls region happening all weekend long, including cleanups and tree plantings. Plus, Warren Co. Soil and Water's tree and seedling sale is going on today - extra seedlings will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Visit their website for details.

LGLC is Awarded $47,670 from the New York State Conservation Partnership Program

We are very excited to be awarded two grants from the 2022 New York State Conservation Partnership Program! Administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Land Trust Alliance, this year’s round of grants awards $3.375 million to 51 nonprofit land trusts for 80 projects across New York State.

Of the grants awarded to the LGLC, $20,130 will be used to create and install a trailhead kiosk as well as educational signage at The Pinnacle Preserve in the Town of Bolton. The second grant of $27,540 will reimburse costs that the LGLC incurred in a 2021 transaction that protected the 147-acre Saddlebrook  of land, including 10 acres of wetlands and nearly a mile of the Saddlebrook stream corridor.

Smiths Repeat $300,000 Challenge for the Future of Lake George

Manning and Ginny Rowan Smith have generously offered to repeat their Challenge for the Future of Lake George to benefit the LGLC! From now until November 30th, 2022 the Smiths will donate $5,000 to the LGLC for every new legacy pledge received, regardless of method, amount or designation, up to a total of $300,000. For those who wish to include a specific dollar amount with their pledge that is above $5,000, they will match that amount.

Ginny is a member of the LGLC’s Advisory Board, a trustee emeritus and a champion of LGLC’s legacy program.

“Our family has been active in the Lake George Land Conservancy for many years because we want to make sure that what we experienced as children will also be here for our children and all future generations,” said Ginny. “Estate planning is one of the most powerful ways to do this. The gift can be large or small. And its benefits will continue long after one’s lifetime.

“After the great success of our last Challenge, Manning and I decided to repeat the offer and encourage even more folks to join the LGLC’s planned giving society. When I talk with others who have joined this Society, I always sense a feeling of accomplishment, and a feeling of pride that no matter what decisions they make going forward in terms of life’s priorities, they have created a legacy for Lake George.”

Did you see it? LGLC's Annual Report

The LGLC's Annual Report arrived in mailboxes last month, but is also available online. This Report covers the LGLC’s activities in the 2021 Calendar Year, and financials for the 2021 Fiscal Year (July 1, 2020 – June 31, 2021).

If you didn't get a copy and would like one, please email Helen with your request.

There's still time to register for the 10th Annual Hike-A-Thon!

The LGLC's Tenth Annual Lake George Hike-A-Thon is Tuesday, July 5, 2022. Six sites still have spots remaining, plus the opportunity to participate virtually (at a site of your own choice, on your own) is unlimited!

In addition to the hikes and paddle portion of the event, don't forget about our After-Party, to be held at the Bolton Community Center, from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm. Come for food, drinks, music, activities, prizes and giveaways - everyone is invited to join us to celebrate our 10th Anniversary!

Thank You to our 2022 Hike-A-Thon Sponsors!

It's not too late to be a sponsor! Visit our sponsorship page for info about benefits and how to sign up!

Post of the Month

IN THE NEWS:: LGLC Executive Director Mike Horn was recently interviewed... posted 04/12/22

Other popular posts:

Great view of Lake George from The Hague Chronicle - ice is out up north! ... posted 04/02/22