New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Adirondacks & NNY

19th Century Tales Of Cabbage Worms

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Cabbage Worm courtesy James Lindsey at Ecology of CommansterIn Ray Bradbury’s 1952 science fiction story A Sound of Thunder, Eckels, a time-traveling safari hunter accidentally steps on a butterfly during prehistoric times, which triggers a massive change to the eco-system when Eckels returns to 2055 society.

If it’s so that a single action can have consequences centuries later, I wonder about ramifications from the mass extermination of butterflies by a witty, well-meaning, 19th century Hague (on Lake George in Warren County) cabbage farmer. [Read more…] about 19th Century Tales Of Cabbage Worms

NYS Forest Preserves: Balancing Access & Conservation Panel

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New York State Forest Preserves conversationThe Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies will host a virtual conversation on balancing recreational use and resource protection in New York State Forest Preserves on Thursday, July 29th. This event will feature experts from the Catskill Center, the Catskill Science Collaborative, and Adirondack Mountain Club. [Read more…] about NYS Forest Preserves: Balancing Access & Conservation Panel

NY’s Voter Suppression History & John Brown’s Farm

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John Brown Farm courtesy John Brown LivesThis year we are celebrating New York State’s acquisition of John Brown Farm 125 years ago. And it’s good that we are.

But let us also recall a 200th anniversary linked to the John Brown Farm – a connection that has particular importance this year as we witness a voter suppression spree around our country. Two hundred years ago, that was us – our New York ancestors – enacting explicit rules to keep blacks from voting.

John Brown and his family moved to the Adirondacks as part of an effort to counteract New York State-sponsored suppression of voting rights for black men.

We are now seeing a wave of voter suppression efforts in states controlled by Republican legislators fearful of losing their majority power. Well, guess what? That’s exactly what was going on here in good old New York back in the early 1800s. We New Yorkers apparently were leaders in voter suppression. We even put it into the state constitution! That’s more than the states are doing today. [Read more…] about NY’s Voter Suppression History & John Brown’s Farm

John Brown Lives! Marking 125 Years of John Brown Farm Historic Site

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John Brown Lives 125th Anniversary CommemorationJohn Brown Lives! will commemorate the 125th anniversary of the State of New York acquisition of the John Brown Farm State Historic Site, home of abolitionists John and Mary Brown on the condition that it be used “as a public park or reservation forever,” on Saturday, July 17th. [Read more…] about John Brown Lives! Marking 125 Years of John Brown Farm Historic Site

John Caffry, Claudia Braymer Being Honored With Adirondack Award

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John Caffry and Claudia BraymerProtect the Adirondacks has announced that the Howard Zahniser Adirondack Award for 2021 will be awarded to attorneys John Caffry and Claudia Braymer. The Howard Zahniser Adirondack Award is being presented in honor of John Caffry’s and Claudia Braymer’s efforts over eight years to lead the successful lawsuit Protect the Adirondacks v. Department of Environmental Conservation and Adirondack Park Agency, decided by the New York Court of Appeals on May 4th, 2021. [Read more…] about John Caffry, Claudia Braymer Being Honored With Adirondack Award

High Peaks Keene Hiker Shuttle Restarting Saturday

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Shuttle at Marcy Field August 2019As part of its ongoing effort to welcome hikers to the “Home of the High Peaks,” the Town of Keene will be starting its hiker shuttle to the Garden trailhead at 7 am, this Saturday, July 17, 2021.

This town service gives hikers access to one of the most popular daily and overnight hiking areas in the Adirondacks – for only $10. [Read more…] about High Peaks Keene Hiker Shuttle Restarting Saturday

Forest Rangers Locate Deceased Man, Rescue Injured Hikers

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forest ranger logoNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents in the Adirondacks. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured or distressed people.

What follows is a report, prepared by DEC, of recent missions carried out by Forest Rangers. [Read more…] about Forest Rangers Locate Deceased Man, Rescue Injured Hikers