Conservancy to Celebrate 25th Anniversary with One Day, Lake-Wide Hike-A-Thon
On July 5, hikers of all ages will assemble at the summits of each of the Lake George Land Conservancy’s eight 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 photos will commemorate the Lake George Land Conservancy’s 25th anniversary and celebrate its achievements: 13,000 acres of land and nine miles of shoreline protected forever, says the Conservancy’s Sarah Hoffman, who is organizing the event.
“The idea for a Hike-A-Thon was dreamt up by the Conservancy’s staff, as something we could do to really showcase our most visible assets to the public – our preserves.” said Hoffman. “We’re having a lot of fun planning the event. The potential to get 500 people from all around the region to come together as one community, for the love of Lake George, is amazing and we’re excited to see it happen.”
A description of each of the eight preserves and their trail systems will be available on the Hike-A-Thon registration page at the Lake George Land Conservancy’s website, enabling hikers to choose which park or preserve they’d like to celebrate. A Trail Captain will be assigned to lead the groups to their respective summits.
The preserves’ trails vary in length and difficulty. Peggy’s Point, a flat and accessible waterfront park in Hague, will be available for non-hikers.
All participants will receive an event t-shirt, which they will be asked to wear for the group photographs.
The winner of a special drawing, to conclude on June 26, will ride with Heilman in the helicopter on July 5. To purchase a ticket or for more information about the Hike-A-Thon, call 518-644-9673
Other prizes include a pair of Gondola/Mountain Bike lift tickets for Gore Mountain.
Support for the Hike-A-Thon has been provided by the Lake George Kayak Company, the Lake George Mirror and Look TV. Additional sponsors include the Adirondack Pub and Brewery and Carl Heilman.