Bolton Landing, NY – The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) presented eight prestigious awards to deserving organizations and individuals during its 13th annual President’s Reception, Thursday, August 20. Underwritten by Lora and Craig Treiber, the President’s Reception was hosted by the Singer family at their lakefront home in Ticonderoga, and attended by the LGLC’s top donors and supporters over the past year.

The Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP) received this year’s Henry M. Rowan Conservation Award, in recognition of their steadfast partnership with the LGLC and other organizations throughout the Adirondack Park on invasive species research, management, education, and advocacy.

The award was presented by Ginny Rowan Smith, LGLC Advisory Board member and director emeritus, and accepted by APIPP Program Director Brian Greene, on behalf of APIPP funding hosts from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and The Nature Conservancy.

The LGLC and APIPP were early partners, collaborating on various invasive species trainings, field workdays, and research starting in the mid-2000’s. As the first of eight programs in the New York State Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) network, APIPP spearheaded many initiatives and built relationships that would prove invaluable as the issue of invasive species became more prevalent across the Adirondack Park and New York State. Most recently, and significantly for Lake George, APIPP is a leading force behind the research and management of hemlock woolly adelgid, an invasive pest that can devastate hemlock forests and their ecosystems.

In accepting the award, Greene said, “This award is a great recognition of all that the APIPP team, both past and present, has done. The challenges with invasive species are tough but by working together we can make progress. Lake George Land Conservancy has been a great partner for decades and we look forward to continuing the progress we have made.”

LGLC Executive Director Mike Horn said, “APIPP has been an incredible partner for more than two decades, bolstering our work to manage our protected lands and ensure that their conservation benefits of clean water, healthy ecosystems, and scenic beauty are continually realized.”

The LGLC’s Apperson Society is named after early-mid 20th century conservationist John Apperson, whose passion for protecting Lake George resulted in important conservation successes that can be seen and enjoyed today. The Apperson Society recognizes individuals, families, foundations or organizations that donate leadership gifts to support Lake George land conservation efforts.

LGLC President Paul Bell recognized The Makowski Trust for their advancement into the Apperson Society’s silver level, and inducted six new members at the bronze level: Diane (Marr) and John Asiel, Phil and Lenore Defliese, Joy and Sam Grafton, Caren Hoffman and her late father Donald Hoffman, The Robert and Lisa Moser Family Foundation, and Steven and Janine Racanelli.

LGLC Board President Paul Bell said, “We are truly grateful for the unique ways in which each of our Apperson honorees have helped to keep the LGLC in a strong position to protect the land that protects the lake. Thanks to their generous and steadfast support, the LGLC is in a strong position to respond to land conservation opportunities throughout the Lake George basin as they arise.”

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