By Justin A. Levine – Communications Associate
Friday, September 6, 2024
A New York summer program teaches students of color about climate change
The Timbuctoo Climate and Careers Institute introduces the Adirondacks, green career paths and environmental and social justice to New York City high school students that may otherwise never even know about the Adirondack Park. The Adirondack Council has worked in partnership with SUNY ESF, CUNY Medgar Evers, and the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus to bring the Institute to life, and it is already exceeding expectations, as 16-year-old Elizabeth Cabrera said:
“Knowing this institute and the legacy that they’re bringing to us, now I feel like I should open clubs and talk about climate change and the environment,” said Cabrera. “They are so hopeful and inspiring to me.”
Navigating change: How a dedicated group is revitalizing the Boquet River ecosystem
A group of devoted volunteers have taken an active role in preserving the Boquet River, in the eastern Adirondacks. Adirondack Council conservation associate Jess Grant and Next Gen member (and former Council employee) Charlotte Staats have joined the board of the Boquet River Association (BRASS) and injected new life into highlighting the river. With new energy, BRASS is working on restoring and protecting the river and its buffers, and earlier this year planted well over 1,000 trees in the Boquet riparian area.
More Adirondack lakes, communities eligible for septic funds
Thanks to the advocacy of the Adirondack Council and partners, the state has greatly increased the number of Adirondack lakes where homeowners can get help in replacing septic systems, which can cause harmful algae blooms (HABs) and water pollution. Homeowners around more than 100 lakes within the Blue Line can now receive financial aid to replace failing septic systems. With thousands of lakes and ponds, and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams that flow out of the Adirondacks and across the Northeast, protecting and preserving Adirondack waters is an excellent investment that is advantageous for millions of people, countless animals, and has benefits that extend well beyond the Blue Line.
NYC students visit John Brown Farm
High schoolers from all five boroughs capped a two-week course on environmental jobs and awareness at the historic John Brown Farm site in Lake Placid earlier this summer. This was the second year of the Timbuctoo Climate and Careers Institute, and each cohort of students got to spend significant time within the Adirondacks. In addition to myriad adventures, they learned about social and environmental justice, potential careers paths, and developed a passion for the environment that will hopefully inspire them for the rest of their lives.
Green group fears return of acid rain
A summer ruling by the Supreme Court severely limited the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s “Good Neighbor Rule,” which reduced acid rain in the Adirondacks for decades. The rule allowed the EPA to regulate pollution that left certain states and harmed others. For instance, coal-burning power plants in the Midwest caused acid rain in the Adirondack Park. The Council was fighting for regulations on this pollution in the 1990s, and the enforcement of those regulations reversed much of the damage acid rain had done. With the recent Supreme Court ruling, those decades of progress could be undone.
Looking for more ways to get involved with the Council?
Take Action! Connect With Us! Support Our Work!
Justin Levine joined the Council staff in 2021 as the Communications and Outreach Assistant. He previously worked as a regional marketing manager for the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism and was an award-winning journalist and photographer for the Adirondack Daily Enterprise and Lake Placid News. Since graduating from Paul Smith’s College in 2004, Justin has worked in the environmental field in various roles in both the Adirondacks and Florida. When not working, Justin loves spending time with his family, running, and doing all the outdoor things the Park has to offer.