Two nationally accredited land trusts are opening merger discussions to advance their mutual goal of protecting open space in the Lake Placid, Ausable, and Saranac watersheds of New York State’s Adirondack Park. [Read more…] about Lake Placid Land Conservancy, Adk Land Trust Discussing Merger
Lake Placid Land Conservancy
Reconsider ‘Fall Clean-Up’ and Leaf it Be
Right on cue, Autumn has once again made its swift return to the Adirondacks. With it comes a list of work to ready ourselves for winter, including yard and garden cleanup. Well, we’re here to help alleviate your workload and share a “radical” concept. When prepping your yard for winter, do less! [Read more…] about Reconsider ‘Fall Clean-Up’ and Leaf it Be
Lake Placid Land Conservancy Earns Accreditation
The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, has awarded the Lake Placid Land Conservancy accredited status.
The accreditation seal represents their commitment to meeting national quality standards for permanently protecting important natural places in the Adirondacks. [Read more…] about Lake Placid Land Conservancy Earns Accreditation
A Trip to John Brown’s Farm Near Lake Placid
A few weeks ago, on a snowy and cold Sunday, I decided to take a trip to a place in North Elba that I have been meaning to visit since I first moved to Lake Placid – John Brown Farm, the last home of the nineteenth century abolitionist. [Read more…] about A Trip to John Brown’s Farm Near Lake Placid
Friluftsliv: Fresh Air Life
This year, so many of us have turned to the outdoors. From porches to backcountry wilderness experiences, being in nature has offered a safe respite during these uncertain times.
As the weather turns colder and snow starts to fall, many may think their time outside is over until spring. However, with a shift in mindset and gear, you may be on the brink of discovering your favorite season outside. [Read more…] about Friluftsliv: Fresh Air Life
A Mountaintop Plaque Recalls Teenage Adventurer Esther McComb
“For The Sheer Joy Of Climbing”
These words will likely sound familiar to anyone who has undertaken the journey to become a 46er, as they are inscribed on a plaque at the summit of Esther Mountain, High Peak #28. The plaque was placed on the summit in 1939 by The Adirondack 46ers to honor “the indomitable spirit” of the peak’s namesake, Esther McComb. [Read more…] about A Mountaintop Plaque Recalls Teenage Adventurer Esther McComb
Adirondack Survey Markers: A Conservation Minute
On many hikes, I never truly feel like I have reached the summit of a peak until I’ve found a tiny metal disc set into the rock.
These small plates of metal are called survey markers, or benchmarks, and they are put in place by surveyors to mark important points on the Earth’s surface. [Read more…] about Adirondack Survey Markers: A Conservation Minute
Conservation Minute: Caring About Cairns
If you’ve spent any time on trails, particularly on rocky mountain tops or in desert-like environments, you’ve likely come across a cairn.
Cairns are officially-created rock piles that mark a trail. They are often used in areas where there is little vegetation to attach traditional trail markers or paint blazes.
In the Adirondacks, cairns are found most often at higher elevations above tree line. They are extremely important for helping hikers navigate trails and to protect sensitive alpine vegetation by guiding hikers to the most durable surfaces. [Read more…] about Conservation Minute: Caring About Cairns
Placid Land Conservancy Seeking Land Trust Accreditation
Lake Placid Land Conservancy has announced it is applying for accreditation. The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever.
A public comment period is now open. [Read more…] about Placid Land Conservancy Seeking Land Trust Accreditation
Conservation Minute: The Art of Nature Journaling
There are numerous physical and mental benefits of exploring and connecting with nature. Often though, we are so eager to get on the trail and reach a destination, that we miss the details along the path – and the details can often make the journey more meaningful.
One way to help slow your pace and deepen your connection with nature is to start a journal. Nature journaling requires you to take pause, observe the wildlife, plants, or scenery around you, and record what you see through a combination of notes and sketches. [Read more…] about Conservation Minute: The Art of Nature Journaling