LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk 45 In the northeast corner of the Adirondacks lies a small, narrow lake, surrounded by scenic mountains and hills, and where nature is the star of the show, in ways large and small. From expansive views atop near- by peaks to the tiniest of details in the flora around our feet, the area around Silver Lake, in the hamlet of Hawkeye, is a sweet spot for amateur naturalists and those looking for quiet, relaxed time in the woods. On the northern shore of the lake lies one of the more unique habitats in the Adirondacks: the Silver Lake Bog Preserve, a 98-acre area tended to and protected by the Adirondack chapter of The Nature Conservancy. The Bog Preserve consists of an out-and- back, low, narrow, half-mile long boardwalk, followed by a forest trail that leads to 200'-high bluffs which overlook the lake. We tend to say that places have "something for everyone," but the variety here is spe- cial and the lack of crowds creates a sense of calm. I first encountered the Silver Lake Bog as a child and was fascinated by the boardwalk, for I had never seen anything like it before. It seemed to me something magical, like a special portal through a new world. In a sense, that is exactly what it is. Positioned just above ground level, the meandering boardwalk serves a few purposes: one, to protect the delicate plant life that grows in the bog from being trampled by humans, and two, to allow these same humans the opportunity to appreciate and enjoy the ecosystem in an environ- mentally conscious and respectful way. It is also, quite simply, a nice way to explore the woods. The highlight for many who visit is the way the Bog Preserve allows you to feel immersed in nature and to get up close to intriguing, often very small, Alpine plants and organisms.

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