Living Lands Summer Presentation Series

Living Lands is the LGLC’s summer presentation series that takes an exclusive and up-close look at the people, history and wildlife of the lands of Lake George and the Adirondacks, past and present. Presentations are held at the LGLC office 4905 Lake Shore Drive, Bolton Landing, NY at 5:30 p.m., with a virtual option on Zoom. Registration is required, as space is limited.

Recordings of previous Living Lands Series presentations are available here.

JUNE 11: MOOSE IN THE ADK PARK

Presented by David Kramer

Wednesday, June 11, at 5:30p.m., researcher David Kramer will present “The Life History of the Moose in New York State” at the Lake George Land Conservancy building in Bolton Landing.

Moose were extirpated from the Adirondacks in the late 1800s and early 1900s due to habitat destruction and overhunting. But in the 1980s, moose sightings in the Adirondacks began to trickle in. Over the past few decades, moose have established a permanent population in the New York mountains. In 2015, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) began actively monitoring it.

In the program, attendees will learn about the life history and ecology of our largest state mammal and the new research initiative NYSDEC is conducting.

David Kramer received wildlife degrees from Delaware Valley University (BS) in 2009 and from Texas Tech University (MS) in 2012. Since 2016, Kramer has been a Research Scientist with the SUNY-ESF Roosevelt Wildlife Station and provides consultation and research support for moose, deer, bear, turkey, and furbearers for NYSDEC.

JUNE 25: WILDLIFE TODAY AND TOMORROW

Presented by Al Hicks

Join Alan Hicks, retired endangered species biologist with DEC, as he meanders through his own experiences coupled with a number of examples drawn from history, to draw a picture of what the future for wildlife and humans might hold.

The activities of humans have always influenced wildlife populations. Advancements in technologies, changes in social norms, and the relentless increase in population have benefitted a small number of species but have harmed vastly more.

JULY 16: CALDWELL’S CONSERVATION LEGACY

Presented by Jeff Brozyna

Before the 20th century, no individual had a greater impact on Lake George than James Caldwell. An ambitious entrepreneur who arrived at the lake in 1785, Caldwell saw more than just business opportunity. He saw potential for community, conservation, and legacy. From building a booming trade network and founding the village that would bear his name, to protecting historic lands that are now pivotal in Lake George land protection, Caldwell and his descendants helped shape the Lake George we know and love today.

Learn the little known history of the man who helped shape land conservation in Lake George as we know it, presented by LGLC Advisory Board member Jeff Brozyna.

IN PERSON REGISTRATION

ZOOM REGISTRATION

JULY 23: ALL NATIVE SNAKES (FOUND IN OUR NECK OF THE WOODS)

Presented by Dr. William S. Brown

Harmless or Venomous? Requested by one of our LGLC’s supporter, come view photos and learn from the prestigious Dr. William S. Brown about what snakes can be found in “our neck of the woods”!

After this presentation, you will have confidence in the recognition of the types of snakes that are in our area, especially which ones are harmless, which will ultimately lead to an enhanced outdoor experience for all nature enthusiasts!

Dr. Brown, with skill honed by four decades of experience, will discuss the identification of our native snakes in northeastern New York using numerous photographs of their characteristics. Ways to distinguish venomous snakes from harmless snakes will be reviewed. Among our larger species of harmless snakes, several are occasionally mistaken for a rattlesnake, including Eastern Milk Snakes, Northern Water Snakes, Black Rat Snakes, and Eastern Hog-nosed Snakes. The smaller harmless species include Eastern Garter Snakes, Northern Brown Snakes, Northern Red-bellied Snakes, Eastern Ring-necked Snakes, and Smooth Green Snakes. Historically, a large and contiguous landscape, lack of major disturbance, and a relatively stable climate likely contributed to the persistence of many snakes in our region.

IN PERSON REGISTRATION

ZOOM REGISTRATION

Presentations from previous years are available to view on our YouTube channel ― LGLandConservancy ― at any time! Click here for the series!

As always, we strive to engage you, presenting unique and interesting programs for free in an attempt to connect to the community, provide educational experiences and learn more about the amazing area we live in and why our lands and waters are so important. If you have an idea for a presenter, feel free to contact us!