Discovery Series returns with educational guided hikes in the Bolton area

Once again, the Lake George Land Conservancy is teaming up with Up Yonda Farm to offer a series of guided, themed hikes in the Bolton area. The Discovery Series of hikes are led by Up Yonda naturalists and have an educational component suitable for all age levels.

The 2023 Discovery Series includes topics such as Adirondack geology, bird identification and the changing leaves of autumn. The hikes vary in degree of difficulty, but most are easy to moderate and take 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Many of these hikes lead to panoramic views of Lake George and the surrounding mountains.

There is no charge to join the Discovery Series guided hikes, but registration is required at least 24 hours in advance. Visit the Lake George Land Conservancy website to register.

Lake George Land Conservancy/Up Yonda Farm 2023 Discovery Series guided hikes

May 20 – Lake George Ecology: 8:30-11:30 a.m., Cat & Thomas Mtns Preserve, Valley Woods Rd, Bolton Landing. A moderate 3-mile hike up and down Thomas Mountain. The trail includes a gradual, steady ascent. Learn about area plants and animals, Lake George and surrounding watersheds.

June 3 — National Trails Day Intro to Hiking: 9-10:30 a.m., The Pinnacle Preserve, Edgecomb Pond Rd, Bolton Landing. A moderate, 3-mile hike, which includes a steady ascent. Learn some history of the Adirondack Park and the best practices for outdoor recreation to protect this unique place.

June 24 — Recording Nature Observations- Found and Seek with iNaturalist: 9:30-11 a.m. The Pinnacle Preserve, Edgecomb Pond Rd, Bolton Landing. Hike the trail to Bradley’s Lookout and learn to use the iNaturalist and Seek apps on your Android or iOs device to identify plants, fungi and insects while contributing to scientific research. This moderate hike is 1.2 miles long with a gradual ascent.

Related: Become a Citizen Scientist at Up Yonda Farm

June 30 – Insect hunt: 9:30-11 a.m., The Pinnacle Preserve, Edgecomb Pond Rd, Bolton Landing. Take a moderate, 1.2-mile hike (includes a gradual ascent) with a naturalist while searching for signs of insects.

July 8 — Create a Field Guide Through Nature Journaling: 10-11 a.m. Cat and Thomas Mtns Preserve, Edgecomb Pond Trailhead, Edgecomb Pond Rd, Bolton Landing. Hone your observation skills around Edgecomb Pond. This is an easy, less than ½-mile hike. Look for interesting phenomena around Edgecomb Pond and create field guide pages to describe your findings. Optional- bring a small journal or notebook, colored pencils, or small watercolor paints. Art skills are not required.

July 14 — Adirondack Geology: 9-11 a.m., The Pinnacle Preserve, Edgecomb Pond Rd, Bolton Landing. Hike the Pinnacle, a 3-mile, moderate-rated trail and learn about the area’s geology along the way.

July 21 — Pond and Stream Life: 9:30-11 a.m., Amy’s Park, Padanarum Rd, Bolton Landing. Explore streams and ponds for signs of life. This is an easy, 1-mile hike that will take hikers through wetlands. Prepare to get your boots wet.

August 5 — Critters of All Sizes: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sucker Brook Preserve, Sagamore Rd, Putnam. This is a moderate-rated hike that is 1.6 mostly level miles long. Along the way, look for insects, birds, scats and other signs of life.

August 18 — Beginning Birding: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Godwin Preserve, Padanarum Rd, Bolton Landing. Learn the basics of bird identification. The hike is rated moderate, 1.6 miles long with a few short climbs. Organizers recommend binoculars and a smartphone with the MERLIN BIRD ID application downloaded.

August 25 — Beavers: 1–2:30 p.m., Amy’s Park, Padanarum Rd, Bolton Landing. Visit a beaver pond and lodge. Use your observations to make a beaver dam model. This 1-mile hike is rated easy but does cross some bridges and elevated walkways. 

September 9 — Lake George Ecology: 9-11 a.m., Amy’s Park, Trout Falls Rd Trailhead, Trout Falls Rd, Bolton. Hike Ed’s Red Stripe Trail while learning from a Naturalist about the plants and animals of the area and learn about the Lake George watershed and surrounding wetlands. The moderate-rated, 1.5-mile trail leads to views of Lake George’s Northwest Bay.

Related: Land Conservancy ends 2022 Discovery Series with Changing Leaves hike

September 30 — Changing Trees: 9:30-11 a.m., The Pinnacle Preserve, Edgecomb Pond Rd, Bolton Landing. Hike through the fall foliage at its peak. Learn tree identification and how the trees prepare for winter. This is a moderate-rated hike, 1.2 miles long with a gradual ascent.

October 14 — Falling into Winter: 9:30-11:30 a.m., Godwin Preserve, Padanarum Rd, Bolton Landing. In this final hike of the series, observe how plants and animals prepare for winter. This moderate-rated hike is 1.6 miles long with some short climbs.