Blog

In July, my colleague Jackie and I had the opportunity to experience field biology first hand when Matt Schlesinger from the New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP) invited us and a few others to help him with a rare dragonfly survey in a bog in the Debar Mountain Wild Forest. I came away with the realization that field biology is not for the faint of heart. It is a career that requires patience, perseverance, and, most importantly, a really positive attitude. I now appreciate the work of field biologists even more.

It’s not often we would venture outside the Adirondacks in the summer time, but there are exceptions. Recently, Council Executive Director Willie Janeway and Communications Director and our resident historian on acid rain policy John Sheehan went to Washington, D.C. to save the funding for acid rain research and monitoring in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) budget.

When you spend time outdoors, you probably notice that you return home feeling refreshed, at peace and calm. There is science behind the physical and mental benefits of spending time in nature. Many studies show that spending time outside, in the Adirondacks or even in a public park, on a bike path, or in the garden, can improve your overall well-being.

On Saturday, July 8, over 200 people gathered in Overlook Park in Newcomb for the Adirondack Council’s Forever Wild Day. Despite the rain showers, everyone had a great time. We hope you enjoy the pictures from the event.

The Adirondack Council will present this year’s Conservationist of the Year award to Mike Carr of the Adirondack Land Trust. Mike was also Executive Director of the Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy for 16 years. In our blog, founding director of the Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and past winner of the Conservationist of the Year Award Tim Barnett recalls hiring Mike.

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.