LOCALadk Magazine

Rhiannon Happy spring, Editor LOCALadk 7 A M E S S A G E F R O M R H I A N N O N LOCALadk The sunshine is returning, the birds are chirping, the flow- ers are daring to bud, and the trails are beginning to dr y. Spring has officially arrived in the Adirondacks. The awakening of spring from a long, dormant winter (and what a glorious one we had) has always been a double-edge sword for me. On the one hand, I am allergic to virtually the entire outdoors — a brutal environment for an outdoor-en- thusiast with severe asthma. But on the other hand, spring is the beautiful explosion of flora and fauna, a return to life with vibrant vitality which reinvigorates our own. As I wander the mountain tails in the early spring months, I find myself far more aware of our diverse ecosystem. I notice the critters, the sprouting fungus, the curling birch bark. I lis- ten to the leaves of the beeches and maples as the birds sing overhead, and I admire the blossoming wildflowers glowing at random amongst the trails and fields. According to the organization Adirondack Wild: Friends of the Forest Preser ve, the Adirondacks are a "rich mosaic of habitats host[ing] a wide diversity of wildlife, [...including] 200 species of birds, 53 species of mammals, 35 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 74 species of butterflies. This diversity stems from the variety of forest and wetland com- munities in the Adirondack Park." These countless ecosys- tems sustain one another, allowing each other to thrive. From the tallest pines to the smallest ferns, from the rush- ing rivers to the stillest ponds, the region's natural world is, indeed, a mosaic — one of contrasts and complexities. Each element, from the weathered rock faces to the vibrant moss carpeting the forest floor, plays a crucial role in keeping the whole system in balance. I'm often struck by how the natural world is never in com- petition with itself. The streams don't argue with the trees for space, and the clouds don't tr y to outshine the moun- tains. Instead, each element contributes to something far greater than itself. As countless environmental studies have proven, the rich- ness of life in any biodiverse ecosystem contributes directly to its strength and resilience. But this idea reaches far be- yond the natural world. Whether we're speaking of the in- struments in a symphony, the flavor profiles in a well-bal- anced dish, or the individuals that make up a community, it is the range of voices, textures, and perspectives that creates something truly vibrant and whole. This community we call home thrives because of its many parts. Our region, like nature itself, flourishes when we em- brace the myriad of experiences, talents, and ideas that live side by side, contributing their own essential threads to the larger tapestr y. We at LOC ALadk are honored to celebrate the stories of our rich and vibrant community woven into our own tapestr y, one part and parcel at a time. We thank you for your readership and for playing a part in the richness of our region. As always, we encourage you to support the wonderful and talented local business through- out the Adirondacks whenever possible. It is through their continued support that we are able to bring LOC ALadk to you and yours as a free publication.

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