Lake George, NY – The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) is pleased to announce that the Matching Challenge for Outdoor Education Programs presented by lifelong Lake George resident and community member Seth Harris this spring has been completed. The $5,000 challenge was met through the generous donations from 31 donors.

Harris was inspired to give to the LGLC after receiving the Susan V. Siegel Community Service Leader Award from the Sunmark Credit Union in 2025. The award provides a cash prize to be donated to the awardee’s nonprofit of choice, which Harris directed to the LGLC for the purpose of supporting outdoor education.

This prize inspired him to reciprocate the generosity with a $5,000 matching challenge of his own in order to increase the combined impact on two specific projects: interpretive signage for the hiking trails at Wiawaka Center for Women, and a lake-wide outdoor education backpack loaner program in collaboration with libraries throughout the Lake George watershed. (Read more about this award and announcement here.)

Harris said, “I’m so excited that we met our goal with lots of positive buzz and support from many small donors! Thank you to everybody, who has believed in this project and helped get us here. Now the real fun begins: working with libraries, nonprofits, and our community to best curate the items we share in our outdoor education backpacks. I can’t wait to get started on that!”

LGLC Executive Director Mike Horn said, “We are incredibly grateful to Seth for this challenge in support of the LGLC’s education and outreach efforts, and to the many individuals who contributed to the match. This community effort demonstrates the importance and support for outdoor education at the local level — to promote positive experiences with the natural world, and educate people of all ages about the LGLC’s mission to protect the land that protects Lake George.”

The backpacks and signage will include content that teach “Leave No Trace” principles, responsible outdoor recreation, interesting facts about plants and animals, and provide activities for all ages looking to explore the natural world, including at LGLC parks and preserves.

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