We are also lucky to have organizations that advocate for environmental protection, not just in Albany but through an elaborate web of education inside the Park.

In Lake Placid, one of those groups on the front lines of recreation, education and conservation — to protect the state-owned Forest Preserve — is the Adirondack Mountain Club, affectionately known as ADK.

Last year, ADK turned 100 years old and entered a new century by doubling down on its mission. One noteworthy addition to the group’s program is the acquisition of the Cascade Ski Center on state Route 73 on the outskirts of Lake Placid, which opened in 2022 as the Cascade Welcome Center. In addition to being a cross-country ski center, the facility offers summer programs and hiking opportunities and serves as an educational hub for visitors and residents.

ADK’s programs at the Heart Lake property near Lake Placid — Adirondak Loj, High Peaks Information Center and campground — and Johns Brook Lodge property near Keene Valley — surrounded by the High Peaks Wilderness — are stronger than ever and are embedded in the Forest Preserve like no other venues open to the public.

And once again, ADK is offering free natural history programs is summer, which we highly recommend. The season starts on July 1 with naturalist-led walks and programs, including new interpretive walks at the Cascade Welcome Center — offered at 1 p.m. every Saturday until mid-August.

ADK will also resume its summer naturalist series at the Heart Lake Program Center. This includes:

– Naturalist-guided walks starting at 10 a.m. daily at the Loj;

– Heart Lake Nature Museum, which introduces people to the natural world of the High Peaks, open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.;

– Mount Jo guided hike, a 2-mile round-trip that teaches people about the history, ecology and geology of this small mountain on the Heart Lake property, starting at 9 a.m. daily outside the Loj;

– Mount Jo summit host, who is on duty from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily to answer questions, promote responsible recreation and enhance the hiking experience;

– Wednesday evening campfire, where visitors learn about the romantic and tragic history of the Loj property, reliving a tradition started by Henry Van Hoevenberg at his Adirondack Lodge in 1878, running from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Loj amphitheater;

– Friday night hike, held from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays, starting outside the Loj; and

– Saturday naturalist talks — with topics ranging from natural and cultural history to adventure travel and live music — starting at 8 p.m. Saturdays at the Loj amphitheater (inside the Loj when it rains).

For more information about ADK’s programs, visit the Adirondak Loj, call 518-523-3441 or visit adk.org.