New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Lake Erie

The French and Indian War: A New York Perspective

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Miniature of Fort Prince George under attack by French troops (diorama in the Fort Pitt Museum, Pittsburgh)In the early 1750s, the French were establishing trading posts and building forts along western the frontiers of the British colonies. In the fall of 1753, in part to protect his own land claims, Virginia Lieutenant Governor Robert Dinwiddie had sent 22-year-old George Washington (then a militia leader and surveyor) to deliver a letter to Fort Le Boeuf at what is today Waterford in northwest Pennsylvania, demanding they stop.

When Washington returned without success, Dinwiddie sent a small force to build Fort Prince George at the confluence of the Allegheny  and Monongahela Rivers (today Pittsburgh). Soon a larger French force arrived, torn down the small British fort, and began and built Fort Duquesne, named for then Governor-General of New France, Marquis Duquesne. [Read more…] about The French and Indian War: A New York Perspective

Report Cladophora Algae Along Great Lakes, Niagara, St. Lawrence River Shorelines

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Accumulation of Cladophora algae over a substantial portion of the shorelineCladophora is a type of stringy (filamentous) algae that grows on rocks, wood, logs, and other hard underwater surfaces in freshwater ecosystems, including the Great Lakes basin. If you spot this type of stringy algae along New York’s Great Lakes beaches and shorelines, including Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, the Niagara River or the St. Lawrence River, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) wants to know. [Read more…] about Report Cladophora Algae Along Great Lakes, Niagara, St. Lawrence River Shorelines

Great Lakes Action Agenda Updated

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great lakes basin courtey DECThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released an updated Great Lakes Action Agenda (GLAA) 2023, a strategic, ecosystem-based action plan to guide restoration and conservation and foster sustainable, resilient communities in New York’s Great Lakes region. [Read more…] about Great Lakes Action Agenda Updated

New York Great Lakes Shore Viewer Launched

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New York Great Lakes Shore ViewerThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Great Lakes Program has launched a New York Great Lakes Shore Viewer, an interactive map that allows users to explore approximately 850 miles of New York’s Great Lakes shorelines, including Lake Erie, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, and many of the larger embayments. [Read more…] about New York Great Lakes Shore Viewer Launched

Dutch-American History: The Phoenix Tragedy, 1847

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memorial at the Oude Begraafplaats in Winterswijk by Joske MeerdinkI love to make evening walks in the town of Winterswijk, where I was born. The Dutch habit of keeping curtains open makes strolls resemble visits to a museum, with the windows framing paintings that offer ever-changing views. I like to discover routes to find new, unfamiliar places.

One evening, in December 2020, I passede the old graveyard of Winterswijk, a place that usually gives me the creeps. For some reason — I still don’t know why, — I decide to walk across the graveyard this time. I immediately spotted a brightly lit memorial: two bollards holding up a colorful plaque. The sign reads: “The Phoenix Tragedy, 1847.” [Read more…] about Dutch-American History: The Phoenix Tragedy, 1847

New York State Canals Bicentennial: Some History & Plans For Celebrations

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Erie Canal BicentennialThe Champlain Canal turns 200 this year and the Erie Canal will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2025.

The Champlain Canal between the Hudson River and Lake Champlain at Whitehall was the first to open. Worked started on the Champlain Canal in October, 1816. The first boats operated in November, 1819, and was fully completed in 1823, two years before the Erie Canal was finished. [Read more…] about New York State Canals Bicentennial: Some History & Plans For Celebrations

Burbot: New York’s Misunderstood Cod Cousin

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burbot courtesy Achim R. Schloeffel In the midst of winter, the ice-covered lakes of the Northeast seem quiet. It may, however, be a bit noisy below the ice. Winter into early spring is the spawning season for burbot, when males produce sounds to attract mates. [Read more…] about Burbot: New York’s Misunderstood Cod Cousin

Great Lakes Health Report Issued

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great lakes program reportNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released the 2020-2022 Great Lakes Program Report that highlights collaborative efforts to conserve, restore, protect, and enhance New York’s Great Lakes land and water resources. [Read more…] about Great Lakes Health Report Issued

First Evidence of Natural Lake Trout Reproduction in Lake Erie

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Lake Trout fry courtesy DECThe Journal of Great Lakes Research has recently published “Evidence of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) natural reproduction in Lake Erie,” a new article on Lake Erie lake trout restoration. [Read more…] about First Evidence of Natural Lake Trout Reproduction in Lake Erie

DEC Releases Draft Great Lakes Action Agenda

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DEC LogoThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released the draft New York’s Great Lakes Action Agenda 2022-2030, a multi-year action plan to guide restoration and conservation, and foster sustainable, resilient, communities in New York’s Great Lakes region. [Read more…] about DEC Releases Draft Great Lakes Action Agenda