One of the first programs my family attended at the Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) was a Leopold Bench workshop. The day was devoted to learning  about Aldo Leopold, listening to a reading from A Sand County Almanac and walking the AIC trails. It was a full day of activity that my children still speak about fondly.

Though the agenda for the 3rd annual Loons and Logs Day on May 24th doesn’t include making a Leopold Bench, there is a full schedule of events that includes an  Adirondack chair workshop.

According to Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) Assistant Program Manager Kristin Pasquino, Windy Baker is conducting the Adirondack chair workshop and preregistration is required.

“We are starting off with an Adirondack Bird Walk along our trails,” says Pasquino. A big part of the day is the loon race. Anyone can sponsor a loon for $10 and 100% of the proceeds goes directly to the educational programing at the AIC. If your loon wins you also get a choice of great prizes from area businesses. There are 500 loons available, but only those sponsored will be part of the race.”

The rubber loons are dropped off the bridge upstream from the Rich Lake outflow and float downstream about ¼ mile to the finish line at the second bridge before Beldon Pond. Participants are encouraged to walk along the shore, following the loons.

The AIC will also be introducing Artist-In-Residence Frances Gaffney as well as two demonstrations from the SUNY-ESF Woodsmen Team. Gaffney will be working on some of her pencil, oil or watercolor pieces where people are encouraged to bring their own nature journals or artwork and ask Gaffney for assistance.

“We will have a lunch break for anyone wishing to go into town. There are also picnic tables or nice spots along the trails for anyone bringing their own food,” says Pasquino. “It will be a full schedule of activities.”

The rest of the month is also packed with events such as a Northern New York Audubon Bird Walk, an Expressive Drawing Workshop with Frances Gaffney. Wetlands Detective Training or participate in a Fly Fishing Retreat. (If building a Leopold Bench is something you have your heart set on, here are the plans). Enjoy!

Photo of the Loon Race provided.