Check out four newsworthy mentions, see what Adirondack adventure you’ll want to plan ahead for this spring or summer, and find upcoming events going on!
Newsy Tidbits to Know in the ADK
You Can Help Prevent the Spread of Hemlock Wooly Adelgid
The Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program is looking for volunteers to help hunt for the hemlock woolly adelgid in the Lake George area. Buck Mountain and Shelving Rock are a couple of the places where the critter has been found.
This effort is ongoing through April 15; at that time, the adelgid’s life cycle shifts to a hard-to-see specimen. Find out more at adkinvasives.com/get-involved/volunteer and at lglc.org/land-conservation/invasives.
Want a Summer Job? Paul Smith’s Is Hiring
Speaking of invasive species…Paul Smith’s College’s Adirondack Watershed Institute provides free watercraft inspection and decontamination services at 14 locations in the Adirondacks (one of them is at Loon Lake). They will do so again this year, starting on Memorial Day Weekend.
They’re currently looking to hire 20 boat launch stewards. This could be a fun, rewarding job, as you’ll be helping to prevent the spread of invasive species! Check out the available positions at adkwatershed.org/employment.
DEC to Resume In-Person Hunter Education Classes
Although virtual courses will continue to be available, the DEC plans to resume in-person hunter education classes on April 1.
“I’m proud of the way our staff quickly pivoted, working with our contractor to offer online courses for new hunters and bowhunters, and I applaud their efforts to safely allow for resuming in-person instruction again in time for new hunters to pursue turkey this spring,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a statement.
Check out info on the hunter education program here.
Introducing: Lemon Tree Brewery
Lake Pleasant Lodge in Speculator announced on Facebook that they will be opening the Lemon Tree Brewery this summer, also in Speculator. They plan to offer micro-brewed beers and a fun environment to enjoy them in. You can find them on Facebook to stay updated.
Prepare for Whitewater Rafting!
Most whitewater rafting companies open in April but are taking bookings now, and they are filling up quick! Here are a few updates, although keep in mind these places often have other options to check out as well, like lazy river tubing or kayaking. Click through for more details and to secure your spot!
Adirondack River Outfitters’ Hudson River whitewater rafting trips as of this writing have availability starting on April 10.
Beaver Brook Outfitters’ Hudson River Gorge rafting day trips as of this writing have availability starting on April 17.
Wild Waters Outdoor Center’s Hudson River Gorge rafting day trips as of this writing have availability starting on April 24.
Adirondack Adventure Center’s next available date for booking as of this writing is May 22.
Sacandaga Outdoor Center’s next available date for booking as of this writing is May 29.
Check out whitewater rafting (and other) coupons >>
Upcoming Events & Virtual Fun to Check Out
Virtual happenings:
- North Country Live on Climate Change: March 18
- Adirondack Hikers 2020: What We Learned & Need to Know: March 19
- Successful Seed Starting Strategies: March 21
- Fort Ticonderoga – Revolutionary War Lives & Letters: March 21
- Maple Sugaring, Adirondack-Style: March 24
- Lake Placid Film Festival Series: Comedy Videos: March 24
Guided hikes from the Adirondack Mountain Club:
- Spring Equinox Road Walk: March 20
- MacNaughton Hike: March 20
- Deep Pond Loop Near Tupper Lake: March 20
- Phelps Hike: March 20
- Mt. Arab Hike: March 20
- Ski Whiteface Memorial Highway: March 25
- Spectacle Pond Hike: March 25
More events:
- Wild Lights at Wild Center: March 19, 20, 26, 27
- Maple Festival at Up Yonda Farm: March 20
Sources:
- Adirondack Almanack: Paul Smith’s to hire 20 boat launch stewards
- Adirondack Explorer: Help partners search for hemlock-killing bug