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LGLC News for June 2020

Marta Quilliam and grandchildren Braiden and Caitlyn Rivers

Round the Lake: More than a patch

The LGLC’s Round the Lake (RTL) Challenge offers participants what so many challenges do – a patch and certificate once completed. But it also opens the door to many new experiences and destinations that may be missed otherwise. A bit more robust than other regional challenges (the goal is to complete at least 20 of the 30+ Missions), what makes this list unique is the addition of historical and educational sites, along with a variety of hikes and paddles that appeal to most ages and abilities.

“We have enjoyed several adventures in the Lake George area,” said Marta Quilliam, who has been working on the Challenge with her grandchildren, Braiden and Caitlyn Rivers. “Braiden has been hiking since age 3 and Caitlyn 5. To me they are my hiking buddies and wouldn’t think of not including them on these adventures.”

Steve Maloney got into the Challenge when he retired from teaching. "What I found fascinating about the Challenge," he said, "is that I didn’t know that most of these places existed and wouldn’t have known if it wasn’t for the list. Every one of my companions felt the same way. So many hidden gems!"

LGLC Executive Director Speaks with LookTV

LGLC Executive Director Jamie Brown recently spoke with Look TV's Jesse Jackson to discuss the LGLC's work to protect Lake George, including the Bolton Hub Initiative, and the recreational opportunities provided through our parks and preserves.

Watch the Interview

Our first ever Virtual Hike-A-Thon is just a few weeks away! Due to its new format, anyone can participate, anywhere! Here's how:

How to participate:

Go outside on July 5th to enjoy an outing on your own. This may be in your own backyard, a local park, or other favorite walk, hike or paddle. If social distancing protocols are still in place, please continue to be safe and choose a destination that is local to you, and avoid crowds. Have a "plan B" in case your hike of choice is already crowded when you arrive.

Show your Hike-A-Thon pride! Wear a t-shirt or other swag from a past Hike-A-Thon or this year’s.

Share a selfie or two on Facebook or Instagram, with the hashtags #LGHikeAThon2020 and #HikeLakeGeorge—be sure to let us know where you are and who you’re with. Follow us @HikeLakeGeorge and @LakeGeorgeHikeAThon. Not on social media? No problem! Email pictures to shoffman@lglc.org.

As always, we are so grateful to all of you who made a donation with your registration, and to our sponsors. This year their support is especially important as we work through these difficult times. Please help us show our thanks by supporting them, as they have supported us:

Floating Wetland Added to Dula Pond

The pond behind LGLC's office in Bolton Landing has received a floating wetland that improves the water quality of the pond and Lake George!

LGLC staff helped Warren County Soil & Water Conservation District fill this floating island with native wetland plants that absorb excess nutrients before they reach the lake. At the end of the growing season, Darrin Fresh Water Institute will use the before and after weights of the plants to calculate how effectively different species took up excess nutrients.

Many thanks to Warren County Soil & Water, Darrin Freshwater Institute, and to Lake Champlain Basin Program and NEIWPCC.

Hemlock Survey

Earlier this month, LGLC staff went out onto the water to check hemlock health and look for signs of the invasive insect hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). This time of year, a healthy hemlock will grow new buds that are lime green in color. One of the ways to spot HWA infestations is by looking out for hemlocks that do NOT have lime green growth, but instead are a ghostly gray color. This is because HWA has damaged and weakened the tree. Good news! The hemlocks on Lake George have lots of new lime green growth, indicating that our hemlocks are healthy!

Learn More About HWA