Adirondack Conservation News: 5 Things You Need to Know

This round-up of Adirondack conservation news is a collection of the most current events taking place in New York’s Adirondack Park, a unique national treasure and legacy we inherited over 100 years ago that we must protect for future generations.

Rare dwarf willow plant found on Algonquin summit

One of the smallest woody plants in the world was recently found on Algonquin Peak after what had been a more than 40-year absence. The dwarf willow was confirmed by an Adirondack Mountain Club summit steward earlier this summer, making this just the second known location of the plant in the High Peaks, with the other location on Mount Marcy. Dwarf willow (Salix herbacea) was last documented on Algonquin in 1980.

Students explore connections between climate, social justice

The inaugural cohorts of students in the Timbuctoo Climate and Careers Institute came to the Adirondacks this summer to learn about Adirondack history in its many forms. The program is a joint venture of Medgar Evers College in New York City and SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry, with the Adirondack Council spearheading the idea with tremendous support from the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian State Legislative Caucus. Students in the program learn about social and environmental justice, climate change and the environment, and the jobs in these fields that will need to be done going forward.

Walking for wilderness

In 2000, a lone female moose made her way from the Adirondack Park to Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario. Now, two advocates are roughly tracing her steps to bring awareness to the Adirondack to Algonquin Collaborative (A2A). The effort will reinforce the need for protected wildways for wildlife to be able to move through. The hikers will take about five weeks to reach their destination.

Local leaders and environmentalists share bond act ideas in Saranac Lake

Last year, New York voters approved a $4.2 billion bond act to support climate change initiatives across the state. Directors of the Adirondack Park Agency, Department of Environmental Conservation, and Environmental Facilities Corporation came to Saranac Lake for a listening stop, where Council staff were able to reiterate the need for investment in Adirondack communities. Ironically, the original date of this meeting was postponed due to massive flooding in the Long Lake area earlier this summer.

Adirondack Council’s Raul Aguirre Extended Interview

Earlier this summer, longtime Adirondack Council employee Raul “Rocci” Aguirre was selected as the organization’s new Executive Director. Aguirre sat down with Mountain Lake PBS to discuss his vision for the Council and threats and opportunities for the Adirondack Park. This interview is extended from the original.

This regular feature provided by the Adirondack Council highlights threats and opportunities concerning the Adirondack Park’s ecological integrity, wild character, and community vibrancy. Photos provided by Adirondack Council.