Bolton Landing, NY – The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) held its 2026 Gala aboard the Lac du Saint Sacrement on Friday, July 31, with nearly 300 guests in attendance. The sold-out event generated more than $580,000 for permanent land protection, including Mud Pond West, a 431-acre property in Gull Bay.

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The scenic cruise treated guests to a tour of the lake’s south basin, showcasing the beauty of the mountains and ridgelines permanently protected by the LGLC, including the 42-acre Wiawaka Uplands conservation easement completed in 2024, and 517-acre Pilot Knob Mountain purchased in 2025 as part of the LGLC’s $9-million 2025 Land Campaign.

This year’s Gala aimed to raise funds for the LGLC’s $1.8-million campaign to purchase Mud Pond West. At 431 acres, Mud Pond West is one of the largest, privately-owned and undeveloped parcels remaining in the Lake George watershed. It includes the western third of Mud Pond, and more than 3,400 feet of Class AA-special stream corridor. The parcel’s forested ridgeline is visible from the lake as well as from Silver Bay and Hague.

Guests enthusiastically rose to the challenge, donating $378,000 during the Fund-A-Need portion of the evening program, led by emcee Rick Tamlyn.

The festive evening also included a silent auction and musical entertainment by James Mullen and DJ Trumastr.

LGLC Executive Director Mike Horn said, “Once again I am astonished by the generosity of our friends and supporters,” said Horn. “Their enthusiasm and passion for land conservation at Lake George continues to drive our momentum forward as we complete projects like Mud Pond West that will have a real, positive impact on the future of Lake George.”

Horn continued, “The success of this event would not have been possible without the incredible support of the Honorary Committee, business sponsors, silent auction donors, and volunteers. We are extremely grateful for their contributions.”

More information about the Mud Pond West campaign, other active projects, events, and more can be found at https://lglc.org.

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