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LGLC News for October 2020

Fall-Winter Newsletter Now Available

Printed copies of the LGLC's latest newsletter will be hitting mailboxes in a few weeks, but you can read and download a digital copy now!

What's inside: update on the HWA infestation response and our part in the massive team effort; progress on Bradley's Lookout; Smith's $300,000 Challenge; hiking basics for beginners; recognition of new donors and the newest Round the Lake Challenge members; honoring Carl Heilman; events, past and future.

Fall-Winter Newsletter

LGLC Leads On-the-Ground Efforts to Protect Hemlocks in Peril

Since 2016, the LGLC has readied itself to take actions to counter hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) infestations threatening the watershed. During this time, we have worked tirelessly on training, education and public outreach; strengthening partnerships; certifying staff for controlled pesticide applications; and spent countless hours monitoring trees. In addition, we have invested well over $150,000 into work on this one terrestrial invasive alone.

Thanks to all of the time, effort, and funds that we had invested in building up our knowledge base on HWA, LGLC staff were immediately able to hit the ground running to help with the monitoring efforts following the confirmation in August of an HWA infestation on the lake's eastern shore.

After more than 500 hours of surveying, HWA has been found on hemlocks throughout 250 acres along 1.5 miles of shoreline on the eastern shore of Lake George, extending into the Town of Fort Ann. Most recently, we have also confirmed its presence on Dome Island, the protected island owned by The Nature Conservancy and managed by the LGLC.

On Trails, Transformations, and Gratitude

Contributed by John Crist, Jr. John has led the LGLC's annual fall foliage hike at Cat and Thomas Mts Preserve since 2005. What follows is his commentary after leading this year's hike on Oct. 18.

On Saturday there were literally hundreds of people on the trails. I have never seen so many cars at the trailheads or people on the mountain. If there was ever a case to be made for more open space and trails this is it.

It is pretty astonishing all that has transpired on the Cat & Thomas Mountain properties over the years. Prior to the LGLC purchase in 2003 the landscape was ravaged by recent logging. Washed out logging roads and ATV trails were tangled with brush and tree limbs. Rusting tree removal equipment could be seen at the old staging areas, and more than a few bottles and cans remained. With the LGLC's guidance it is now an “under rated world class hiking destination” (quoted from a young hiker couple I spoke to Saturday morning on Thomas).

Amy's Race Weekend Includes 72 Runners in 6 States

The Lake George Land Conservancy hosted its 4^th Annual Amy’s Adventure Race for the Lake this year on the weekend of Oct 1^st. Due to COVID-19, the race was held “virtually”, meaning that runners could choose to run the usual race route at the LGLC’s Amy’s Park in Bolton Landing or run 4.5 miles at a location of their choice.

This year’s race included 72 competitors, the most of any race year, including 53 first timers and 19 returning runners. While most ran locally at Amy’s Park, 24 participated in other locations, including Colorado, Maine, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and other parts of New York State. Photos from the event as well as the complete list of competitors and their times can be seen on the LGLC’s page on Facebook, @HikeLakeGeorge.

Fall Events!

We are continuing our annual lineup of fall and winter events, with extra attention to keeping these safe and responsible for all who attend. Details and registration links are available on our Events and Programs page.