NLT Newsletter - December 2024

Here, for posterity, is last year's Winter newsletter. The 2025 Winter newsletter will be out soon in December. We had a great year! Copies of the newsletters will be available here on the blog going forward.

Click the image to see an enlarged version of the Newsletter.

13th Annual 5K/10K Cock-A-Doodle Snowshoe

Race will be held at the New Land Trust January 19th, 2025. The 2024 race was a great success, participants came with their families and friends to cheer them on. A generous donation was made to the NLT by the race sponsors.

Clinton County Youth Outdoors Program

Mark the date! Cross-country skis, boot and poles, and snowshoes will be available for loan again for the 2024-45 winter season. Equipment pick up will be at the NLT Clubhouse on November 16 from 10-Noon. No pre-signup this year, just come with your child/ children for fitting—first come, first serve!

The cross-country ski and shoeshoe lending program started last year, thanks to a grant from the Clinton County Youth Bureau which allowed the acquisition of equipment in a range of sizes. Twentynine children from eighteen families participated in the 2023-24 season, and despite the low snow cover for much of the winter, it was a positive experience. Parents mentioned the advantage of having equipment at their homes for the season so that even with scant snowfall their children were able to tromp around at home. The higher elevation at the land usually means better snow coverage - participants are encouraged to come up and use the beautiful trails. The equipment purchase provided young people and their families increased access to outdoor activities, including at the NLT.

Monthly Visitors

Over the past year, there were over 1000 sign-ins by visitors to the New Land Trust, the highest being 300 last January.

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. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated. We are so grateful for your financial support!

Other ways to Donate

We could use more snowshoes and XC ski boots to loan to visitors. Please contact Hal (518) 570-5375 to make equipment donation arrangements.

Taking your good used sports equipment to Play It Again Sports in Plattsburgh Plaza and requesting the proceeds go to the NLT account is an excellent way to help us provide our visitors with more outdoor options. Thanks so much for your generosity.

New Board Member

Erin Erskine has been elected to the Board of Directors as of 9/16/2024, bringing her expertise and energy. She moved to the Plumadore Road this year - welcome, neighbor!

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. For night visiting or overnight outdoor camping, contact Hal Moore at 518- 570-5375. There is NO camping allowed in the Clubhouse.

NLT Board of Directors

• Taylor Defayette, Executive Director

• Hal Moore, Treasurer

• Libby Yokum, Secretary

• Gregg Dahlen

• Don Layman

• Cathryn Clark

• Erin Erskine

• Joe Licari, Consultant

• Paul Herbold, Consultant

• Mark Schneider, Attorney