New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Lake Champlain

Replica Canal Schooner Lois McClure Being Retired, Dismantled

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The replica canal schooner Lois McClure (Lake Champlain Maritime Museum photo)In October 2023, after 20 years of service, the replica sailing canal schooner Lois McClure will be retired, the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum announced today.  The original Lois McClure was built in 1862.

The replica was initiated in 2001 and launched in 2004 with the goal of better understanding the region’s unique nineteenth century sailing canal schooners, which allowed travel on the region’s narrow canals and sailing on open waters.

Since it’s launch the replica schooner toured the region bringing this history to local communities around Lake Champlain and connecting waterways. [Read more…] about Replica Canal Schooner Lois McClure Being Retired, Dismantled

Revolutionary Albany: Setbacks As The War Presses Toward Albany

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Brigadier-General Richard Montgomery's troops prepare to embark for the invasion of Canada from Crown Point, New York in 1775After a late-summer of preparations, too late in the fall of 1775, the Colonial Army mounted a two-pronged invasion of Canada. General Schuyler invaded Montreal from Fort Ticonderoga and General Benedict Arnold attacked Quebec.

Schuyler fell ill and was replaced by General Richard Montgomery. Montgomery took Montreal and then marched to assist Arnold at Quebec. [Read more…] about Revolutionary Albany: Setbacks As The War Presses Toward Albany

Salmon Thrive in North Country Schools With Salmon in the Classroom Program

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Salmon in the Classroom program provided by DECAtlantic salmon eggs are on their way to hatching in 18 schools across New York’s North Country, as part of the “Salmon in the Classroom” program sponsored by the Lake Champlain Chapter of Trout Unlimited. [Read more…] about Salmon Thrive in North Country Schools With Salmon in the Classroom Program

Iced-In Loons Rescued on Lake George

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Common Loons on Lake George’s ice (photo by Nick Weis)On two different days this week, the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation received reports about Common Loons which had been iced-in on Lake George.

Ice fishermen Nick Weis and Mattie Riley found and protected two loons from an eagle attack on Sunday, and ice fishermen Jason Jordan and Tim Denno found a third loon on Tuesday. The fishermen caught and carried the birds to safety, then reached out to local wildlife professionals for help. [Read more…] about Iced-In Loons Rescued on Lake George

Arto Monaco’s Valcour, Plattsburgh Battle Dioramas Being Conserved

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Battle of Valcour diorama created by Arto Monaco The Clinton County Historical Association has announce it has received a Conservation Treatment Grant from the Greater Hudson Heritage Network for the conservation of a diorama created by Adirondack artist and theme park creator Arto Monaco (1913-2003).

The diorama was a gift from the Plattsburgh Rotary who commissioned the work for the 1976 United States Bicentennial celebration. It’s been moved to several locations over the years, resting finally within the CCHA Museum at 98 Ohio Avenue on the Old Base Museum Campus in Plattsburgh, NY. [Read more…] about Arto Monaco’s Valcour, Plattsburgh Battle Dioramas Being Conserved

NY Farm Champlain Phosphorus Pollution Grants Available

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Lake Champlain bridgeThe Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) is seeking proposals for a program that will implement innovative enhancements to best management practices (BMPs) on farms in the New York portion of the Lake Champlain Basin in 2022.

These enhanced BMPs will help reduce phosphorus runoff, a prominent threat to clean water in Lake Champlain. Up to $50,000 is available to support the program. [Read more…] about NY Farm Champlain Phosphorus Pollution Grants Available

Lake Champlain Basin Program Seeks Education and Outreach Proposals

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Lake Champlain bridgeThe Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) has announced they are seeking project proposals for 2023 that will inform the public or provide community engagement activities designed to learn more about improving water quality and ecosystems in the Lake Champlain watershed. [Read more…] about Lake Champlain Basin Program Seeks Education and Outreach Proposals

Atlantic Salmon Collection on Lake Champlain Tributaries This Fall

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Atlantic Salmon courtesy National Park ServiceThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced a joint project with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to collect adult Atlantic salmon from major New York tributaries of Lake Champlain this fall. This work supports the State’s ongoing research and management of the fishery. [Read more…] about Atlantic Salmon Collection on Lake Champlain Tributaries This Fall

Lake Champlain Cultural Heritage Funds Available

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The Lois McClure leads the boat parade opening the new Champlain Bridge courtesy NPSThe Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) seeks pre-proposals for projects and programs to protect, restore, interpret, and showcase the historical resources and cultural heritage of the Champlain Valley. [Read more…] about Lake Champlain Cultural Heritage Funds Available

Aaron Burr, Marcus Garvey, Lady Bird Johnson & More (Historians Podcast)

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The Historians LogoThis highlights edition of The Historians Podcast has excerpts from a dozen shows that were posted this year. Topics include the battle of Valcour, black separatist Marcus Garvey, Lady Bird Johnson, women’s suffrage, time travel, the history of deceit and more. [Read more…] about Aaron Burr, Marcus Garvey, Lady Bird Johnson & More (Historians Podcast)