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Discovery Series

October 14, 2023 @ 9:30 am - 11:30 am

Lake George Land Conservancy
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Event Series Event Series: Discovery Series

The Lake George Land Conservancy is partnering with Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center to offer a new series of hikes in Bolton!

The Discovery Series hikes are geared towards learners of all ages. Hikes are limited, and are expected to take 1.5 to 2 hours. Registration is free and required at least 24 hours in advance, and can be done online.

Below is the schedule for 2023: 

  • April 15: Signs of Spring – Amphibians – 9:30 am – 10:30 am
    • In the springtime, pools of water host all sorts of life. Explore with a Naturalist some of Godwin’s vernal pools to see what frogs and salamanders make these part of their life cycle. This hike at Godwin Preserve is rated easy/moderate and includes gentle climbs. 1 mile total length.
  • May 20: Lake George Ecology – 8:30 am – 11:30 am
    • On this out and back hike up Thomas mountain, you’ll learn from a Naturalist about the plants and animals of the area. While enjoying the views of Lake George’s south and central basins and the southwestern Adirondacks you will learn about the Lake George and surrounding watersheds. The Cat & Thomas Mountains Preserve hike is rated moderate and includes a gradual but steady ascent. 3 miles total length.
  • June 3: National Trails Day, Intro to Hiking – 9:00 am – 10:30 am
    • Celebrate National Trails Day by learning how you can be a steward of the land. The Adirondacks are a unique and special place that we can all work together to protect. Learn about best practices for outdoor recreation and some of the history behind the Adirondack Park. The hike to The Pinnacle is rated moderate and includes a steady ascent. 3 miles total length.
  • June 24: Recording Nature Observations With INaturalist – 9:30 am – 11:00 am
    • Be a Citizen Scientist when out on the trails and contribute to scientific research. While hiking along the trail to Bradley’s Lookout, you will learn how to use the apps iNaturalist and Seek to record your nature observations along the way. The Pinnacle hike is rated moderate and includes a gradual ascent. 1.2 miles total length. Make an iNaturalist account before the hike!
  • June 30: Insect Hunt – 9:30 am – 11:00 am
    • Join a Naturalist for a hike looking for signs of insects! Will they be flying, crawling, or hiding? How many different six-legged creatures can we find? The Pinnacle hike is rated moderate and includes a gradual ascent. 1.2 miles total length.
  • July 8: Create a Field Guide Through Nature Journaling – 10:00 am – 11:00 am
    • Join a Naturalist to sharpen your observation skills! We will look for interesting phenomena around Edgecomb Pond and create field guide pages to describe what we find. After, you will have some more ideas for deepening your observations and understanding of the natural world. The best part about Nature Journaling – no art skills required! Cat & Thomas Mountains Preserve, from Edgecomb Trailhead, hike is rated easy. Less than 1/2-mile total length.
  • July 14: Adirondack Geology – 9:00 am – 11:00 am
    • Wander up the Pinnacle trail with a Naturalist and learn about the geology of the Lake George basin. You’ll find out what has happened in the geologic past to create the beautiful scenery we see from the lookout. The hike to The Pinnacle is rated moderate and includes a steady ascent. 3 miles total length.
  • July 21: Pond and Stream Life – 9:30 am – 11:00 am
    • Join a Naturalist for a walk looking for signs of animal life! We’ll keep an eye out for evidence of animals living around the pond and stream as well as try to catch aquatic life. The Amy’s Park hike is rated easy but will include some hands-on activities in wetlands and a stream. Please bring appropriate footwear, like boots or other shoes you don’t mind getting wet. 1 mile total length.
  • August 5: Critters of All Sizes – 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
    • Join a Naturalist for a walk looking for signs of animal life! We’ll keep an eye out for insects, footprints, scat, birds, and other evidence of terrestrial animals. We will even try to find aquatic life in the wetland. The Sucker Brook Preserve hike is rated moderate. Mostly flat, the trail does includes a few stretches of climbs, including one with rocky footing. 1.6 miles total length, following the yellow and blue trails from the Sagamore Road trailhead.
  • August 18: Beginner Birding – 9:30 am – 11:30 am
    • New York is home to more than 450 species of birds. While hiking up to the Godwin Preserve Overlook you will learn birding basics on how to identify birds. The overlook will provide great views of soaring raptors and nearby songbirds to test out your new identification skills. Binoculars and the smartphone app Merlin Bird ID recommended. Godwin Preserve hike is rated moderate and includes a some short climbs. 1.6 miles total length.
  • August 25: Beavers! – 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
    • Beavers are called ecosystem engineers for a reason! During a walk along the trails, check out a real beaver pond and lodge. Then use your observations to make a beaver dam model. Will it hold back water as well as a beaver’s? Amy’s Park hike is rated easy but crosses some bridges and elevated walkways. 1 mile total length.
  • September 9: Lake George Ecology – 9:00 am – 11:00 am
    • On this out and back hike following Ed’s Red Stripe Trail, you’ll learn from a Naturalist about the plants and animals of the area. While enjoying the views of Lake George’s Northwest Bay in the distance you will learn about the Lake George watershed and surrounding wetlands. Amy’s Park hike, from Trout Falls Road Trailhead, is rated moderate and includes a steady ascent. 1.5 miles total length.
  • September 30: Changing Trees – 9:30 am – 11:00 am
    • Join a Naturalist on a walk through the forest observing how the local trees are changing before winter, and learn some Adirondack tree identification. The Pinnacle hike is rated moderate and includes a gradual ascent. 1.2 miles total length.
  • October 14: Falling Into Winter – 9:30 am – 11:30 am
    • Walk through the Godwin Preserve observing how Adirondack plants and animals prepare for winter. This hike will include a stop at the overlook to see these changes on a larger scale over neighboring Amy’s Park. Godwin Preserve hike is rated moderate and includes a some short climbs. 1.6 miles total length.

Details

Date:
October 14, 2023
Time:
9:30 am - 11:30 am
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