LGLC News for October 2023

LGLC's fall-winter issue of viewshed is now available online.

Celebrating 35 Years of Conservation

The Lake George Land Conservancy was born out of a need and desire for land protection focused on Lake George, at a time when development pressure was mounting.

Since our founding in 1988, the LGLC has permanently protected 12,190 acres through land purchases, donations, and conservation easements—roughly the equivalent of one acre every day for our 35 years. Thank you to all who contributed to this success story of conservation for Lake George!

Our Fall/Winter issue of viewshed includes a special anniversary spread to celebrate this success story, as well as the legacy of our earliest leaders, conservation visionaries, and supporters. In it, you can also read about what we're doing today that will forever benefit Lake George with clean water, natural habitat for plants and animals, scenic beauty, and recreational opportunities. Paper copies will arrive in mailboxes soon, but you can read it online, now!

Read our Fall/Winter newsletter online

LGLC staff and partners met at Clark Hollow Bay to discuss HWA management

Managing for HWA

As hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) infestations spread throughout the Lake George watershed, we are working with our partners to build a network of professionals to protect hemlocks on private land. Last week the LGLC hosted an HWA training workshop for certified pesticide applicators in partnership with the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP) and Capital Region PRISM. During the training the applicators learned how to identify and treat for HWA, an invasive forest pest that poses a unique threat to our lake's water quality. This training increases the resources available to landowners who may wish to treat their own hemlocks infested with HWA.

LGLC Land Steward Alex Novick has also been working alongside APIPP to treat hemlocks on Dome Island, a protected island on Lake George that is owned by The Nature Conservancy. With our partners, and guidance from experts from Cornell's NYS Hemlock Initiative, we are also managing the HWA infestation at our Clark Hollow Bay property in Putnam.

Hiking Safety During Hunting Season

As part of responsible forest and land management, the LGLC allows deer hunting on select properties, through a permit process. These properties include Amy's Park, Anthony's Nose, Godwin Preserve, Sucker Brook Preserve (aka Gull Bay and Last Great Shoreline), and Terzian Preserve. Hunting applications have already been processed. No addition applications will be accepted at this time. Note that deer hunting season ends December 10.

Hunters are instructed to stay at least 500 feet away from any trail or property boundary. If you choose to hike at any of these preserves, please stay on the marked trails. For your safety, we also recommend that hunters and hikers wear hunter orange, and make sure you keep any dogs leashed and in control at all times.

More info about hunting on LGLC lands

Wood mulch path surrounds the Friendship Garden at Peggy's Point

Peggy's Work to Begin

Next week we expect work to begin at Peggy's Point in Hague. The LGLC hired Tahawus Trails to make important improvements that will make the park more inviting and user friendly. This work will include the installation of an accessible trail to replace and expand the existing woodchipped path. Though the park will remain open during this time, please use caution while visiting.

This project is supported with funding from the New York State Conservation Partnership Program (NYSCPP) and New York's Environmental Protection Fund. The NYSCPP is administered by the Land Trust Alliance, in coordination with the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

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

October 19: Paint & Sip with Patrice @ LGLC Office

5 - 7 PM | There's still room to join! Patrice Jarvis-Weber will guide this fun painting session to replicate her piece, “Fall Birch,” and consider the changing leaves and signs of fall around us. All welcome! $35 per person. >More Info

October 21: Fall Foliage Hike @ Cat and Thomas Mts Preserve

9 AM - 3 PM | Enjoy the fall scenery on this hike to both Cat and Thomas Mt summits, led by John Crist, Jr. Loop starts/ends from Valley Woods Rd trailhead. Challenging, 7 miles round-trip. >More Info

December 16: Christmas Bird Count

All Day | Help count birds for this nation-wide Audubon program, organized locally by the LGLC. Our 15-mile 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!