LOCALadk Magazine

Contents LOCALadk 12 A Future Preserved: The VIC's 2,800 Acres of Promise The Adirondack Land Trust reports on joining forces with Paul Smith's College to conser ve 2,800 acres of iconic VIC forestlands. They detail how a new conser vation easement will protect ponds, bogs, brook trout, wildlife habitat, and 25 miles of trails— preser ving an irreplaceable landscape that supports education, recreation, and community connection far into the future. 14 Messiah Community Sing in the Adirondacks Dorit highlights the enduring joy of the Messiah Community Sing in the Adirondacks, where professional musicians, amateur choristers, and audiences come together to perform Handel's iconic work. She traces its histor y from 18th-centur y England to the Tri-Lakes region, celebrating a beloved holiday tradition that combines music, community, and charity while marking the true start of the Christmas season. 16 The Ancient Spear Point of Piercefield Dam George explores the discover y of a Paleoindian spear point beneath the Raquette River, a rare artifact dating back more than 12,000 years. Through archaeology, Indigenous insight, and the ethics of preser va- tion, he traces how this ancient tool — uncovered during dam repairs — transforms our sense of Adirondack histor y and the people who first called it home. 20 Epic Journey: Reflections from the Galapagos Anne revisits her unforgettable journey of guiding a trip through the Galápagos, capturing the wonder of sea lions, tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and volcanic landscapes. She recounts the joy, humor, and cama- raderie of traveling with women adventurers, the beauty of protected ecosystems, and the privilege of witnessing a world where wildlife thrives and humans tread lightly. 26 A Hoot in the High Peaks Mikayla reflects on the childhood moment a Snow y Owl landed on her porch and changed the course of her life. Blending stor y and field guidance, she introduces the Adirondacks' diverse owl species and shares ethical, research-based strategies for finding them — helping readers explore the nighttime woods with curiosity, care, and a birder's trained eye. 30 The Haunted Legacy of Barkeater Chocolates: Deb explores the mysterious and haunted histor y of Barkeater Chocolates in North Creek, New York, where rich chocolate aromas mingle with ghostly legends. From unexplained footsteps to shadow y apparitions, visitors and staff recount chilling experiences that have transformed the factor y into both a sweet destina- tion and a paranormal hotspot, blending histor y, myster y, and chocolate into an unforgettable Adirondack adventure. 34 The Asa Adirondack Labyrinth: A Sanctuary of Stones Paul shares the stor y of the Asa Adirondack Labyrinth in Bakers Mills, a stunning 70 -foot stone sanctuar y modeled after the famed Chartres design. Built by Christine and Larr y Powers with help from volunteers worldwide, the labyrinth offers visitors a serene, meditative experience rooted in global histor y, community effort, and the healing power of quiet reflection. 38 Celebrating 100 Years: An Ode to Johns Brook Lodge Caitlin celebrates a centur y of Johns Brook Lodge, weaving personal trail memories with the storied histor y of this beloved backcountr y haven. She revisits seasons spent as hutmaster, the daily rituals of lodge life, and the deep sense of refuge the valley offers in her tribute to the wilderness community, enduring tradi- tion, and quiet magic of the High Peaks.

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