Fall 2026 Newsletter
Trailhead Sign-ins: We welcomed over 1000 visitors to our trails in 2025 and about 750 so far in 2026. Most visitors signed the register by the clubhouse and walked the trails or cross-country skied and snowshoed in the winter. Thank you to everyone who enjoys the trails and signs in. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know you visited and we listen to your feedback. We look forward to seeing you during all seasons on the trails. Please bring friends and family next time!
Board Opportunities: Do you share the vision of expanding opportunities for outdoor experiences at the New Land Trust? The New Land Trust board of directors is looking to find people interested in volunteering to serve on the board. If you want to be involved in shepherding the NLT into the next generation, please message us on Facebook, or call or text Hal Moore at 518-570-5375.
Donations, Please! We know that being outdoors in nature is one of the healthiest things we can do. Your donations make access to experiences in nature possible for our many visitors. Continuing improvements include trail upgrades, signage, and the next big project, a new roof for the barn. Paul has been working to stabilize the barn so that the work can begin next spring. Our operating costs make it possible to offer NLT trails, parking, and the Clubhouse to the public and include plowing, insurance, and repairs. Donations can be made using the “Donate” button at thenewlandtrust.org and by mail to PO Box 101, Saranac, NY 12981. There is also a slot to put donations in the sign-in box. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. We are so grateful for your financial support! *We’d love to have more snowshoes and XC-ski boots to loan to visitors. Please contact Hal (518) 570-5375 to make equipment donation arrangements.
Children's Winter Sports Gear Pickup – Get Outside this Winter! Save the date: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10am–noon
It’s time to start thinking about snow! Pick up your favorite gear at our clubhouse at 236 Plumadore Road in Saranac, from 10am-noon on Saturday, November 14. No need to sign up in advance, just come over with your children for fitting. First come, first served! This winter lending program started in 2023, thanks to a grant from the Clinton County Youth Bureau which allowed the acquisition of equipment in a range of sizes. The goal of this program is for young people and families of all ages to get outside and enjoy the natural world during all seasons. In addition to using the equipment on the trails at the New Land Trust, it’s nice for families to have equipment at home to allow children to get outside when the snowflakes are falling and blanketing the yard or nearby park. The higher elevation (1,500’) and unique location of the New Land Trust (at the foothills of Lyon Mountain) brings good snow coverage to our trails during the winter months. Head out on the trails and experience the powder that is protected from the wind by our big old trees. See you for the gear pickup in November and on the trails as soon as the snow arrives!
Chili Fest Sunday, February 21, 2027 Stay warm this winter as we heat up our pots of homemade chili on our wood stove and gather in our cozy clubhouse. Enjoy our trails on skis or snowshoes, before or after we serve the chili around noon. Bring your chili or side dishes to share in our potluck gathering of friends and neighbors. See you for this fun celebration of food and heat as we welcome our partner members of the Algonquin (Plattsburgh) Adirondack Mountain Club Chapter. This chapter hosts outdoor events during all seasons. Visit adk.org and connect with them on Facebook. Since 1922 the Adirondack Mountain Club has inspired people to enjoy and protect NY’s public lands through education, stewardship, advocacy, and responsible recreation.
Cock-A-Doodle-Shoe 2027 Join us for the 15th Annual 5K/10K Cock-A-Doodle Snowshoe Race this winter. The date and time will be posted on our website and social media as we finalize details. Come to race or cheer on the competitors of all ages. A generous donation to the New Land Trust is made by the race sponsors every year.
Leave No Trace at the New Land Trust We ask all visitors to practice Leave No Trace on all 287-acres of the New Land Trust, on all of the trails and in the parking lot. Please keep your dog on a leash at all times and carry a bag for dog waste. Please pick up after your dog, especially if the trail is snow covered. Dog doo makes bad ski wax!
The 7 Leave No Trace Principles:
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare:
Know the regulations and special considerations for the area you’ll be visiting.
Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
Always leave your itinerary with someone at home.
Travel in small groups to minimize impacts.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Hike in the middle of the trail; walk through (not around) puddles/mud.
Stay off of vegetation; walk on rocks where possible.
Camp in designated sites where possible.
In other areas, don’t camp within 150 feet of water, trail, or a road.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack out all trash (including toilet paper), leftover food, and litter.
Use existing privies or dig a 6-8 inch deep cathole at least 150 feet from water.
Wash yourself and dishes at least 150 feet from water. If needed, use only small amounts of biodegradable soap.
4. Leave What You Find
Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.
Let photos, drawings, or journals help capture your memories.
Do not build structures or furniture or dig trenches.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
Use a portable stove to avoid the lasting impact of a fire.
Where fires are permitted, use existing fire rings and collect only downed wood.
Burn all fires to ash, put out campfires completely, and hide traces of fire
6. Respect Wildlife
Observe wildlife from a distance.
Avoid wildlife during mating, nesting, and other sensitive times.
Control pets at all times, and clean up after them.
7. Be Considerate of Others
Respect others and protect the quality of their experience.
Let natural sounds prevail; avoid loud sounds and voices.
Be courteous and yield to other users; take breaks to one side of the trail.
Little Free Library Little free library #220637 was installed in our clubhouse in February 2026. Little Free Library is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization with a mission to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Library book-exchange boxes. The vision is to have a free library in every community and a book for every reader and that all people are empowered when the opportunity to discover a personally relevant book to read is not limited by time, space, or privilege. For more information, visit https://littlefreelibrary.org/
Dark Sky International The International Dark Sky Places program works with communities, parks, municipalities, and the public to certify and protect dark places for humans and wildlife alike. What is light pollution? Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. Light pollution disrupts wildlife, impacts human well-being, wastes money and energy, contributes to climate change, and blocks our view of the universe. We encourage all our visitors and neighbors to understand the impacts of light pollution and protect our night skies so that humans and wildlife can thrive with the natural rhythm of day and night skies. For more information, visit https://darksky.org/
Want to host an event at the NLT? To host an event for a group of 6 or more at the New Land Trust, please submit an application on our website. The board of directors will review your request promptly. More info and to apply here: www.thenewlandtrust.org/contact-nlt
DEC Winter Hiking Essentials
Day pack Water and high energy snacks
First aid kit
Trail map and compass/GPS
Extra clothing, including extra hat, socks and mittens
Plastic whistle
Microspikes or crampons for icy conditions
Flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries
Stay safe out there!
After Dark Policy: The NLT is open from dawn to dusk. To arrange for night visiting or overnight outdoor camping, contact Hal Moore, 518-570-5375. No camping is allowed at 236 (the Clubhouse).
Special Thanks to Our Local Partners
Algonquin & North Woods Chapters ADK Mountain Club — www.adk.org
Law Office of Mark Schneider — www.northcountrylaw.com
Viking Ski ‘n Cycle — www.vikingskiandcycle.com
Sponsorships are $250/year
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