Tabla de contenidos para July/August 2025 en Adirondack Explorer

Farms and solar can coexist Recently, the Adirondack Explorer published a piece from former governor George Pataki, in which he lambasted solar installations within the Adirondacks. I am a farmer and freelance writer (my book, “Agri-Energy: Growing Power, Growing Food,” is scheduled for publication this fall). Unlike Mr. Pataki, I was born and raised in the Adirondacks, although I’ve now moved further north, to West Chazy, because land prices in the Adirondacks are unaffordable for first-generation farmers. In his letter, Mr. Pataki argues that while renewable energy is important, it is not something that should exist in the Adirondacks. This is NIMBYism at its finest: “not in my backyard.” So where, then? The U.S. is the fifth-largest importer of electricity, with 90% of that supply coming from Canada. The site…

There are many arguments for protecting wilderness, for taking a substantial parcel of the natural world and simply leaving it alone. The message on every page of Ed Kanze’s latest book, “The Nature of the Place: On the Flora and Fauna of the Adirondacks,” is that when we do that, when we stand back and let natural processes follow their own seemingly magical and complex rules, we can, if we look carefully and humbly (as Kanze does), understand that unmanipulated nature is rich, busy, intricate and infinitely fascinating. Some nature writers go for the broad and scenic view. John Muir, for example, has never been matched in his ability to capture the gothic sublimity and grandeur of a vista in the Sierra Nevada. Others emphasize the details of the near…

Dark skies plus an increased interest in astrotourism (stemming from last year’s total solar eclipse and more recent aurora borealis light displays) equals new opportunities for nighttime activities in the Adirondacks. Here is a sampling of options around the region: Night paddling: St. Regis Canoe Outfitters is offering two new nighttime paddling excursions, including full moon guided canoe trips and stargazer guided outings, offered on dates throughout the summer and fall: canoeoutfitters.com and hit “specialty guided trips.” Star gazing at Sagamore: Great Camp Sagamore in Raquette Lake is offering two workshops: “We are Stardust: Exploring Our Connection to the Cosmos,” led by astronomer Dr. Aileen O’Donoghue and Helene Gibbons, founder of Adirondack Riverwalking, takes place July 27–29. “Sagamore Seminars in Science: Stargazing,” led by astronomer John Rusho, Sept. 28–Oct. 1.…

Name: Anne Diggory Age: 75 Hometown: West Point, New York Current residence: Home and studio in Saratoga Springs since 1977. Painting in the Adirondacks since 1990. Accomplishments: Upcoming exhibit at Keene Arts—more than 50 paintings of the watershed alongside Ausable Freshwater Center staff and invited artists. (See page 28 for more.) I have shown Adirondack paintings in solo exhibitions throughout the region, in museums such as Albany Institute of History and Art, and at Blue Mountain Gallery in New York City. Favorite Adirondack adventures/outings: In previous years, I enjoyed painting from some High Peaks summits, I have recently enjoyed the energies of near-at-hand scenes; from lakeside campsites such as at Buck Pond. I am inspired by the sunrises and sunsets with their endless combinations of light, reflections and cloudscapes—and in the nooks and…

Diane Cain wandered aisles of local goods and groceries on an early summer day, giving a tour of her aptly named Adirondack General Store. She paused before a vintage candy display, wiped her hands on her apron and gestured at the abundance around her. “We’re a general store, which means we have generally everything,” Cain said. As she was about to elaborate, a wave of customers she called the “lunch crowd” strode through the door. A group of visiting cyclists perused the camping gear and chalkboard menu. Two boot-clad workers joked with Cain about pie for lunch as they grabbed a quick meal from the cooler. While she rang up their items, she pointed to a well-penned open notebook beside the register of her Schroon Lake business. “Everybody has a…

Ampersand Mountain Tough climb, amazing views Location: Harrietstown Mileage: 5.2 miles round trip Hiking level: Difficult Overview: Ampersand Mountain is one of the most popular hikes in the Adirondacks. This bald mountain top served as a survey point for Verplank Colvin’s surveys. From 1911 to 1977, the mountain was also home to a fire tower. Along the steep route to the summit, you may see signs of the observer’s cabin. Getting there: From the intersection of state routes 3 and 30 near Tupper Lake, follow Route 3 east for 7 miles. The parking lot is on the left (north) side of the road. The trailhead is directly across the road. Use care crossing the highway. The trail is extremely popular, and the lot is often full by early morning. Additional parking…

One memorable afternoon a good many years ago, my wife, Debbie, and I were driving along a mountain road with our friend, Beris, visiting from Australia, when we came upon something astonishing. We’d recently told Beris her chances of seeing a black bear were near nil. Then suddenly, on the road’s edge, stood on all fours a massive Ursus americanus, black and shiny and brown around the muzzle. Something was amiss. The bear was twitching as if demented. It wiped its face with one forepaw and then the other and shook its head violently. We could see insects swarming the bear’s airspace. Dozens landed on its lips and tongue and around the rims of big brown eyes. Yellowjackets! I’d heard and read about black bears digging up yellowjacket nests, which…

On a cool May morning, a few dozen Katahdin sheep rumbled through open gates into pasture lined by rows of pawpaw and hybrid chestnut trees as farmer Alex Caskey watched from the fencing’s edge. Located on a small country road across from the Split Rock Wild Forest in Westport, Barred Owl Brook Farm practices silvopasture, a farming technique that integrates trees with grazing livestock. At Wild Work Farm in Keene, vegetables can be seen planted between rows of fruit trees, a method known as alley cropping that is also a safe bet against potential flooding. “The fruit trees are both a crop that’s more resilient to flooding than annual crops and will protect our soil,” said Wild Work Farm owner Lissa Goldstein, whose 3-acre farm located near the East Branch…

The recent finding of Leo DuFour’s remains (the hiker who went missing on a late-November hike up Allen Mountain, on a day a heavy snowstorm hit) has brought up debate around whether solo hiking in the High Peaks is a safe activity. We asked readers to weigh in on the topic: On a popular, well-marked trail, it’s about as safe as walking on a sidewalk in town. Solo remote bushwhacks are a totally different story. The risks are minimized by being well prepared, experienced, in good health, physically fit, resourceful, and level-headed. Having the means to call for help makes a quantum difference. Lacking that, random factors can greatly tip the odds against a safe outcome. Anyone can get hit by a falling tree or otherwise incur an incapacitating injury, fall…

Driving through Amsterdam, I realized I did not have an offering. I stopped at Stewart’s. Purchased a box of large black trash bags and a pair of work gloves. At the trailhead, I asked the natural world for permission before I entered. It is caring to knock before opening. I am moving differently outside. Thanks to the lessons learned in an ecotherapy certification course, specifically for BIPOC counselors, therapists and healers, offered by the Earthbody Institute. The goal is to use ecotherapy to create a symbiotic relationship with the land. Healing earth and humanity simultaneously. The practices I am learning are not new. Their concepts are foreign to our capitalist economy, which has taught us to exploit the land for the highest economic gain. They are indigenous to the people…