Blog

On Saturday, July 8 in Newcomb, we will recognize the extraordinary work by photographer Carl Heilman II as we present him with our Park Communicator award. Carl is an internationally published photographer and author. He started climbing the High Peaks on a pair of handcrafted snowshoes in the 1970’s and continues to explore and photograph the mountains and lakes, while pursuing his passion for portraying the unique beauty of the Adirondack Park.

The Adirondack Council welcomes Kate Brooker as our newest Clarence Petty Intern in our Elizabethtown office.

The Adirondack Park lost two outstanding advocates in mid-June when conservationists John Collins of Blue Mountain Lake and community activist George Canon died. Both men were natives of the Adirondack Park’s Hamilton County. Both served the park they loved until they were too sick to continue. Both were in their late 70s.

It’s National Pollinator Week, and this year residents across the Adirondacks are taking notice. Pollinators are critical to biodiversity, food security and the agricultural economy. New York State alone is home to over 450 wild pollinator species. These species are diverse and include native bees, butterflies, moths, bats, mosquitos, flies, hummingbirds, and more. Diverse habitat is necessary to maintain such a beautiful array of biodiversity.

Now that the snow has thawed and the air has warmed, for some it is time for hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, fishing. For others, it is time to ride their all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). As riders tune up their machines for the year, get gas and buy last minute supplies before leaving for their destination, it is worth considering other costs associated with this activity for which others foot the bill.

If you search "Adirondacks" on almost any social media platform, you will most likely find thousands of stunning photos and stories from other Adirondack adventures. You will also find a huge community of those who love the Adirondacks. One group that is picking up steam is Ladies Get Outside. What started as a passion project for Marissa Fredette, soon grew to a sisterhood of outdoor enthusiasts near and far.

This May 20, we celebrated the Adirondack Park's 125th birthday with two-week long photo contest asking people to submit a photo and describe what the Adirondacks mean to them. The response was overwhelming and demonstrated just how much the Adirondack Park mean to so many people near and far.

The second part of blog focuses on what transpired after the Adirondack Park was created. We will discuss events that helped make the Adirondack Park the place that we know and love today!

On Saturday, April 29, Adirondack Council staff, members and friends marched with 200,000 other environmental advocates from across the country at the People's Climate March in Washington DC. The march started around 2pm on at the foot of the U.S. Capitol and ended surrounding the White House. Despite the oppressive hot weather, spirits were high, and we enjoyed meeting many friendly faces.

In the Adirondacks, spring has just hit full stride. Various wildflowers, from Bloodroot, Dutchman's Breeches and Trilliums litter the forest floor with tender shoots and colorful blossoms. A time of rebirth and reawakening for many plants and animals, spring offers much more than just an eye-pleasing floral delight. For myself, spring means the return of wild edibles! Now it is way too early for wild mushrooms; and the fruit bearing shrubs, canes and vines barely have their green leaves, let alone any berries. I am talking ramps.