Long Lake’s annual Winter Birding Weekend is coming up, along with several ice fishing derbies, and there are a couple of winter challenges going on you might want to check out. Plus, read up on local news from railway trails being up for auction to the purchase of a cross-country ski center.
Here’s what’s going on this week into next:
- Winter Birding Weekend in Long Lake: January 29
- Opening Reception for Winter in Action at The View: January 29
- Cranberry Lake Ice Fishing Derby: January 29
- Mike Norris Ice Fishing Derby on Raquette Lake: January 29
- Ken Lyon Sr. Memorial Ice Fishing Derby: January 29 & 30
- Hybrid Winter Workshop Series on Gaiters With Fort Ticonderoga: January 29 & 30
- US Ski & Snowboard Super Tour in Lake Placid: January 29 & 30
- Citizens Series Snowshoe & Cross-Country Race: February 2
- What to Do With Winter Root Vegetables With Adirondack Experience (virtual): February 2
- Empire State Winter Games: February 3 – 6
- Lake George Winterfest: through March 11
Browse more happenings at the events calendar >>
Get the Latest News & Suggestions for Fun Winter Activities
A Winter Bingo Game & Winter Challenge
If you’ve ever been curious about ice fishing (it’s hard not to be with so many ice fishing derbies happening around the Park!), then stayed tuned because Free Fishing Days are coming up next month. Whether you’re out and about trying something new this winter or participating in a favorite seasonal activity, you may want to get in on one of these winter challenges:
Long & Raquette Lakes Winter Wonderland Bingo
Complete five tasks on the card and win a sticker! Entries must be in by February 28.
Get more info here: https://mylonglake.com/2022-winter-wonderland-bingo/
The WhiteOut Winter Challenge
Similar to the above Bingo game, the Adirondack WhiteOut Weekend crew created a winter challenge with tasks like ice fishing, building a snowman, and going on a winter hike.
Check out the activities and more details here: https://www.facebook.com/adkwow/photos/a.1575965406019462/3263488037267182/
Railway Tracks Are Up for Auction
A 30-mile stretch of railway from North Creek to Tahawus that had previously belonged to the Saratoga & North Creek Railway is up for auction (as in both the land and the tracks), reports The Daily Gazette. There are two more sections of track totaling about 60 miles, one owned by Warren County and one owned by the Town of Corinth. According to the Glens Falls Chronicle, Revolution Rail has made a bid, but there are others. Stay tuned!
Learn How You Can Become a Citizen Scientist
Citizen scientists are out every day in the Adirondacks collecting and reporting on vital information that can be used to help protect our natural resources and environment.
If you’re interested in becoming a personal partner with the DEC by engaging in activities like reporting wildlife sightings, locating invasive species, and observing natural activity like when a particular lake ices over each year, check out this video from the forces behind Leave No Trace to learn more: https://lnt.org/leave-no-trace-citizen-science-how-to-get-started-video/
The DEC Announces New Efforts to Protect Pollinators
Speaking of the DEC and protecting our environment, the department has announced actions to limit the unrestricted use of pesticides that can harm bee and other pollinator populations (birds, bats, butterflies, and others). This involves reclassifying certain products that contain neonicotinoid (neonic) insecticides imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and acetamiprid as “restricted use.” They’ll only be used by trained pesticide applicators in specific situations.
According to the US Department of Agriculture, pollinators provide approximately $344 million worth of pollination services to New York State, and add $29 billion in value to crop production nationally each year.
The Adirondack Mountain Club has Purchased the Cascade Ski Center
Adirondack Explorer reports that the ADK Mountain Club has closed on a $2.5 million purchase of the Cascade Cross Country Ski Center near Lake Placid. They plan to continue to offer snowshoeing and skiing, including equipment rentals and sales, and are looking into educational programs for the facility.
Have you made Valentine’s Day plans yet? Get started here >>
Sources:
- Adirondack Explorer: ADK completes purchase of Cascade Ski Center
- The Glens Falls Chronicle: TU: North Creek Rail to Tahawus up for auction March 3
- The Daily Gazette: Saratoga & North Creek Railway’s tracks up for auction
