On July 5, hikers of all ages will assemble at the summits of each of the Lake George Land Conservancy’s nine preserves, where they will pose for group photographs.

It’s a moment in time that will be captured by Carl Heilman, photographing from a North Country Heliflite helicopter piloted by Bruce Mowrey, and preserved as a permanent part of the lake’s history.

The Hike-A-Thon was created last year to commemorate the Lake George Land Conservancy’s 25^th anniversary and celebrate its achievements: 13,000 acres of land and nine miles of shoreline protected forever, said the Conservancy’s Sarah Hoffman.

“The inaugural Hike-A-Thon was a great success, with over 400 participants, many of whom expressed a real appreciation for the experience and said they looked forward to doing it again.  We hope to build on that energy and involve even more families for a bigger and better event this summer,” said Hoffman.

This year’s Hike-A-Thon features a new event: a water-only site at the Last Great Shoreline.

“Instead of a hike, this site will be boat-only, preferably canoe or kayak, and participants will gather in front of Jumping Rock for the aerial photo,” said Hoffman.

Although there is no cost to take part in the Hike-A-Thon, donations to the Lake George Land Conservancy are welcome. To register, or for more information, contact Sarah Hoffman at 644-9673.

All participants will receive an event t-shirt, which they will be asked to wear for the group photographs.