July 16, 2024 Teresa M. and George E. Lawrence Memorial Gazebo
On July 29, 2025, the Lawrence family and other invited guests joined together for a ribbon cutting and dedication of the new gazebo as the Teresa M. and George E. Lawrence Memorial Gazebo. Our thanks to the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce for celebrating with us!
When the LGLC purchased the 223-acre the Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob in 2000, the gazebo had already been standing as sentry over the south basin for more than a decade. Since then, the preserve’s iconic gazebo has become a beloved asset in the south basin, providing a place of respite for tens of thousands of people who hike the preserve each year.
After so much use, the gazebo needed more than fresh paint and a few new boards. To ensure the safety of our guests, and keep the integrity of the preserve, the LGLC replaced the entire structure this spring, and made related trail improvements leading up to the gazebo. To maintain a sustainable structure with minimal visual impact, the new gazebo was designed and built to keep the look and feel of the gazebo we all love. Our thanks to Tahawus Trails for their amazing craftsmanship and construction!
Our thanks to everyone who participated in our events and fundraising efforts to date, particularly the Lawrence family, The Makowski Trust, Boats by George, Steve and Dee Haraden, Anne and George Morris, CDPHP, Adirondack Pub and Brewery, and many others.
Lawrence Family Legacy
George and Teresa Lawrence began a tradition of vacations in Lake George in the 1960s, one that included annual treks to the Pilot Knob gazebo, and continues to this day for their children and grandchildren.
In 2009, the family gathered together for a ceremony in memory of George, who had passed away in 2008, and to dedicate the George E. Lawrence Memorial Gazebo and a bench in recognition of the lifetime of memories he provided for his family and friends, and his lifelong love of the lake.
The Lawrence family continued its tradition of support and sharing their love of Lake George through leadership gifts towards the gazebo’s reconstruction.
Lynn LaMontagne Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob
After more than a decade of planning and negotiation, the 223-acre preserve was added in August 2000 to the list of protected lands within the Lake George basin.
Originally, this parcel was illegally cleared and a house and mile-long driveway were constructed. The five-acre house lot became a focal point throughout the south basin, because it disrupted the unbroken wilderness of the Pilot Knob range. Further proposed development would have greatly changed the quality and character of the entire basin.
The property was subsequently confiscated by authorities and resold to the Zug family who stewarded the land for over 10 years. With the help of hundreds of donors and a selling price well below market value, the Lake George Land Conservancy was able to purchase the property from the new owners.
This property, first named the Pilot Knob Ridge Preserve, was renamed on August 9, 2010 at a dedication ceremony in honor of LGLC’s past executive director, Lynn LaMontagne Schumann, who was instrumental in its preservation. (See below)
The gazebo was named the George E. Lawrence Memorial Gazebo during a dedication ceremony in 2009. Memorial benches have also been placed at the Preserve, including for George E. Lawrence from the Faith Home Foundation, for Carl and Elena Simmonds from her daughters, and for Andy B. from his family.
Lynn LaMontagne Schumann
Lynn LaMontagne Schumann served as the LGLC’s executive director from 1999 to 2006. Under her leadership the Lake George Land Conservancy’s membership increased from 250 to 1,171, and had protected nearly 5,000 acres of land and 11,000 feet of shoreline. Lynn passed away on March 13, 2010, after a courageous battle with breast cancer.
Lynn said her greatest moment came after purchasing the Schumann Preserve. “The organization made a significant decision to remove the house situated prominently on the hillside,” she said. “It was a sunny spring morning when the wrecking crew began the process of demolishing the house. I peered out over the ridge and saw some 40 boats anchored along the shoreline cheering as the house came down.”
